About the leaves
Hardwood
leaves contain several different color pigments including reds,
yellows, oranges, etc that make the brilliant leaf colors we see in
the fall. After the flowering of the leaf, green is the overwhelming
color of the leaf due to the energy producing chlorophyll the leaf
contains.
As the days grow shorter the trees begin preparing for winter,
shutting down the need for the sunlight used by the chlorophyll to
produce energy. The tree begins to pull the remaining chlorophyll/
sugar energy out of its leaves.
This brings to light underlying
pigments such as red and yellow. As these colors emerge they produce
a range of beautiful colors that eventually bleed to brown.
Why the Leaves are always spectacular in the
High Country
The High Country Area of North Carolina is located in an optimal
position due the cool air, geographical diversity, and mountain
slopes. Year after year this area produces some of the most
beautiful, if not the most beautiful fall leaf changes to be found
on this planet.
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Factors affecting leaf color |
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Frost –
Frost breaks down the chlorophyll all at once, thus trapping the
chlorophyll resulting in longer lasting leaves & color |
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Rain-
a rainy summer and dry fall is best for the leaves. However
there is a thin line between too little and too much. Too little
rain results in the leaves over d |
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Slope-
the high angle of a mountainside causes rain to run off the soil so
it is well drained. This allows trees to have drier roots, thus,
tree color on these slopes is consistently beautiful. |
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Temperature-
Warm temperature results in the leaves turning color later in the
fall, usually meaning a shorter season.
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Stress-
when a tree is stressed this causes the leaves to turn color and
fall early
Stressors include man made factors such as nearby lighting, or
natural such as a tree fungus |
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“Optimal Conditions for Brilliant Colors are cool clear days
combined with an early frost, hopefully around the end of
September.” - according to Dr. Gary Walker of Appalachian State
University. |
Looking for more information on
taking your vacation in the High Country?
For information regarding accommodations, events, Dining in the
High Country and things to do, visit the
High Country
Vacations Guide. |
