What Do We Know About Fall Leaves?
The days are numbered until fall arrives with its promise of cooler nights, shorter days, backyard fires, and football. Chances are, you have already noticed some signs that fall’s arrival is upon us. Fall leaves are a beautiful sight with their bright yellow, orange, and red hues that liven up the horizon. Whether you enjoy the fall leaves from your backyard or travel to enjoy their beauty, we bet you didn’t know these fun facts.
Where does the term “fall” come from?
The term “fall” is derived from Elizabethan England, where the term was used to describe leaves falling from their trees. The United States uses “fall” more often than autumn as the name of the third season, but autumn is still the preferred term in England.
Do leaves change color everywhere?
Fall foliage in the North is a spectacular sight. While trees can be found in more areas than just the North, not every area has the same fall look. Trees in warmer clients don’t produce the same intense colors. And trees across the ocean in England tend to be more yellow than the orange and red colors we are used to in the U.S.
What does it mean if a tree drops leaves early?
If you ever notice a tree’s leaves changing colors and falling before other similar trees, it typically means the tree is sick. If this happens, it is a good idea to contact a professional to inspect the tree and offer additional information on what the cause is and if it can be treated or reversed.
Why do leaves turn different colors?
While fall colors are present in leaves year-round (they are just overpowered by chlorophyll), not all leaves turn the same colors. What colors they turn has a lot to do with the type of tree they are. For instance, red maples already have a red leaf, which is why leaves turn scarlet in the fall, where oak trees turn brown or red. This is because each species has a different set of characteristics, including sugar, chlorophyll, carotenes, and carotenoids. As the days get shorter, access to chlorophyll is cut off, causing the leaves to change.
How do fallen leaves help our ecosystem?
In addition to being an inexpensive mulching option for your backyard, leaves also help our ecosystem as a food source for wildlife and being a source of protection for tree seeds and wildlife.
Do pine trees have needles?
While pines are part of the tree family, they aren’t typically thought of as having leaves. However, the needles they are known for are actually needle-shaped leaves.
Can you eat leaves?
Tempura-battered maple leaves may be a delicacy in Japan, but leaves are not a traditional food in the U.S. However, there are some edible tree leaves, including young mulberry leaves and Hawthorne leaves.
Perennial Lawn Care helps New Jersey homeowners with their lawn and tree care needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help!
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