Leaves change color in autumn due to a complex chemical process. During summer, leaves contain high levels of chlorophyll, which gives them their green color and helps with photosynthesis. As days grow shorter and temperatures cool, trees stop producing chlorophyll, revealing other pigments:
- Carotenoids produce yellow and orange colors
- Anthocyanins create red and purple hues
- Tannins result in brown colors
This process, called senescence, helps trees conserve energy and nutrients for winter. Weather conditions like temperature and moisture levels affect the intensity and duration of fall colors.