The color of leaves are decided by the pigment called Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has a vital function: that of capturing solar rays and utilizing the resulting energy in the manufacture of the plant's food which are simple sugars produced from water and carbon dioxide. These sugars are the basis of the plant's nourishment. During the growing season, however, the plant replenishes the chlorophyll so that the supply remains high and the leaves stay green.
As fall approaches, chlorophyll is produced at a slower rate. Shorter days cause a layer of cork cells to form at the base of each leaf, gradually closing off the flow of water and nutrients into the leaf. As the supply of chlorophyll dwindles, other pigments are slowly unmasked and begin to show through.
The "best" fall color for an area occurs during the shortening days of autumn when days are bright, sunny and cool, when nights are cool but not below freezing, and when there has been ideal rainfall.
As fall approaches, chlorophyll is produced at a slower rate. Shorter days cause a layer of cork cells to form at the base of each leaf, gradually closing off the flow of water and nutrients into the leaf. As the supply of chlorophyll dwindles, other pigments are slowly unmasked and begin to show through.
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