The Best Fall Colors!
New Monarch Butterfly Emerged October 15, 2025
Here we are, the end of October, and we still have some of the best fall colors in many years. We truly have not seen this much color in a very long time. Sure, the weather is unequalled for gorgeous right now, but that’s only half of it. What causes fall colors and why are they so beautiful this year as opposed to other years?
Tree leaves all have pigments in them. Some have several different pigments that come in various colors. Without going into the specific names, let’s just say some are yellow, some are red, etc. They are always there, too. We just don’t see them during the summer because there is such an abundance of the green pigment called chlorophyll. This is the main factory of growth, working hard to convert sunlight and water into nutrients for the plant. As the days begin to shorten, the reduced light indicates to the plant that winter is coming and it’s time to prepare to go dormant as a form of protection from the cold. Most plants will start to “shut down” when the nighttime temperatures drop below about 45 degrees. Cooler nights, shorter days, and the process begins. So, what happens?
The chloroplasts burst and the carbohydrates are drawn down through the stems into the roots to be stored for the springtime rebirth. The remaining pigments are left behind in the leaves and provide a great color show for us to enjoy until the temperature drops enough to finish off the remaining leaves, turning them crisp like a potato chip causing them to fall. Do you suppose that’s why it’s called “Fall.”
Knowing this, you can probably guess what the next element of great fall color is. Yes, it’s the great weather! The light cycle changes no matter what, but what gives us these great colors for an extended season is the great weather. We have not had a killing frost yet, so the leaves are just hanging out waiting. In full abundant color. And they will continue until it finally gets cold. Usually by this time we have had at least one cold snap and the leaves get torched, whether they have colored up entirely or not. Last year, for instance, we had almost no fall color due to an early freeze, so this year is a super bonus. Some of this depends on the timing of the particular tree/shrub species or variety. For instance, not all maple or flowering pear varieties color or bloom at the same time. Between species, there can be quite a bit of variation. Cottonwoods and willows bud early in spring and hold leaves late in the fall, but walnuts bud late and drop leaves early.
So, as you are traveling around the area seeing the colors, stop every now and then and take a closer look. This process is fascinating and one of nature’s wonders, like seeing a caterpillar become a butterfly. I got to witness that first hand less than a month ago. Thus, the photo at the beginning of this post.
What species are in color right now? Reds are most commonly maples or flowering pears, but there are a few oaks that turn red. Red shrubs are probably burning bush. Red-orange trees are likely Chinese pistache and they have been amazing this year! Other red-orange plants could be sumacs. Yellow leaves are abundant everywhere on all kinds of plants. Sadly, some trees do not have a fall color show. The sycamores and some oaks just turn brown and hold their leaves a long time. (sigh)
Get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather and the colors of Autumn!
See you in the leaf pile!
The HortiCoach