How weather impacts fall foilage

Many people have been wondering why the leaves in mid-Missouri aren’t as vibrant as in many previous years. What many people don’t know is that weather plays a huge role when it comes to the coloration of the fall foliage.

There are a lot of factors that lead up to the classic orange, red, and yellow fall colors. It all starts in the early part of the year, spring time. Drought conditions throughout the spring season will negatively affect fall foliage. When there is not enough water during this time, it causes the leaves to fall sooner, ultimately not allowing enough time to develop the fall coloration.

After spring, sunny days and cool nights during the summer and early fall period are crucial. Cool temperatures mixed with sunny days affects the chlorophyll in the leaves. These conditions help the leaves develop the orange and red tints early on in the season. Cool nights are optimal, but it’s also important to note that too cool can inhibit the tree from getting the fall coloration. Freezing temperatures combined with frost will kill the leaves.

Lastly, during the fall, quiet and calm weather helps prolong the lifetime of the foliage. When conditions are calm, leaves won’t fall as fast, giving us more time to enjoy the beauty!