Why Do Fall Leaves Change Color? The Weather Plays a Big Role

If you’ve ever found yourself staring out your window in October, coffee in hand, marveling at the red, gold, and orange leaves, you’re not alone! Here in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC, we’re lucky to experience some stunning fall foliage each year. But have you ever wondered why some years the colors seem brighter and other times they feel a little dull? The answer often comes down to one thing: the weather.

The Science Behind the Colors

During the growing season, leaves are green thanks to chlorophyll, the pigment that helps trees make food from sunlight. But when autumn approaches and days get shorter, trees start to slow down food production. Chlorophyll fades, revealing other pigments already hiding in the leaves:

• Carotenoids (yellow and orange hues)
• Anthocyanins (reds and purples)

These pigments mix together to create the fiery fall palette we all love.

How Weather Affects the Show

The weather leading up to and during autumn has a big impact on how brilliant those colors will be:

• Sunny days & cool nights: The perfect recipe! Warm sunny days boost sugar production in the leaves, while cool nights trap that sugar, helping produce vibrant reds and purples.
• Too much rain: Cloudy, rainy stretches can mean less sunlight, leading to duller colors.
• Too little rain: Drought can cause trees to drop their leaves early, cutting the season short.
• Early frost: A sudden freeze can damage leaves and turn them brown before they get a chance to shine.

What to Expect Around the DMV

In Virginia, Maryland, and DC, peak fall color typically arrives in mid to late October. Higher elevations (like Shenandoah or western Maryland) turn first, while the city and surrounding suburbs peak a bit later. Each year is different, though so the “wow” factor depends on how the weather shapes up in late summer and early fall.

Enjoy the Show And Care for Your Trees

Fall is more than just pretty leaves, it’s also a great time to prepare your trees for winter. While you’re enjoying the scenery, don’t forget to:

• Schedule a tree health inspection
• Prune away dead or risky branches
• Mulch around tree bases to protect roots

At Titan Tree Care, we love helping our neighbors keep their trees strong and beautiful year-round.