When autumn arrives, trees put on one of the most colorful shows in nature. Shades of green turn to bright reds, sunny yellows, and warm oranges. Let’s explore the science and magic behind fall leaves in a way that’s easy to understand.

Leaves Have Hidden Colors All Year

During spring and summer, leaves are filled with chlorophyll, a green pigment that helps them turn sunlight into food for the tree. But inside the leaf, there are also yellow and orange pigments called carotenoids. They’re just hidden under all that green!

Shorter Days Signal a Change

As fall arrives, the days get shorter and there’s less sunlight. Trees can sense this change, and they start to prepare for winter. They don't make as much chlorophyll, and the green starts to fade away, letting those yellows and oranges finally shine through.

Reds and Purples Are Special

Some leaves turn into a brilliant red or purple color because they make a pigment called anthocyanin in the fall. Scientists think it may help protect the leaves from sunlight or help the tree recover nutrients before the leaves drop.

It’s All About Saving Energy

Winter is a tough time to be a tree. With less sunlight and much colder weather, it’s hard for them to make food, so they take a “rest” by letting their leaves fall, which saves water and energy until spring returns.

Weather Can Change the Colors

A warm, sunny fall with cool nights often makes the brightest reds and oranges. Rainy, cloudy, or very cold weather can make colors less vibrant.

More Fun Leaf Facts

The pigment that makes carrots orange is the same one that makes leaves orange in the fall!

In some places, “leaf peeping” is a popular activity where people travel just to see colorful autumn leaves.

Evergreen trees (like pine and spruce) keep their needles all winter because they’re covered in a waxy coating that protects them from cold.

So next time you see a bright red maple or a golden birch, you’ll know it’s nature’s way of preparing for winter, and giving us one last burst of beauty before the snow falls.

See The Colors Up Close

If you’re staying at Metropolis Resort this fall, you’re in the perfect spot to experience nature’s colorful show. Just across the street, Lowes Creek County Park has trails that wind through vibrant forests, making it easy to see the stunning reds, oranges, and golds up close. Whether you’re walking, biking, or simply enjoying the crisp air, it’s the perfect place to soak in the beauty of Wisconsin autumn.