Seeing Fall colors already? There’s a simple explanation for that
A very hot and dry summer is contributing to leaves to changing colors early.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Summer drought conditions can stress trees causing them to start their color production prematurely.
Peak foliage in Middle Tennessee usually doesn’t come until late October or early November, depending on how cool temperatures have been and of course elevation.
This year, foliage is already being spotted across the Midstate and it’s only September. Although it is super early in the year for that, it’s happening and our hot and dry summer is playing a role. Trees can become stressed under these hot and dry conditions.
Typically, leaves begin changing color as a result of shorter days (decrease of daily sunlight) which leads to cooler temperatures. Photosynthesis, which is needed for leaves to convert light into energy, slows down in response to the change in the amount of light.
A slower photosynthesis process also leads to a reduction of chlorophyll, the pigment that gives leaves their green color. When chlorophyll is reduced, other pigments in the leaves begin to show or are produced.
We just had the 17th driest summer on record in Nashville. Areas southwest of Nashville are experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions. In a dry year, leaves tend to turn colors earlier and drop their leaves earlier than in wet years.
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