Video:New England Trees That Change Color
with Kaytie SproulNew England is one of the best areas in the country in which to see the leaves change color in the fall, and it's a good idea to know what to look out for once you're there. Here's a quick guide to New England trees that change color.See Transcript
Transcript:New England Trees That Change Color
Hi, I'm Kaytie Sproul, here for About.com, and today we're going to talk about New England trees that change color. The autumn landscapes of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are ablaze in varying shades of red, yellow, and orange from mid-September through October. Let's take a closer look at which trees can be expected to change color and why.
Reasons that Leaves Change Color
All leaves start out the summer as green due to the level of chlorophyll in each leaf. However, as the seasons change, chlorophyll levels begin to diminish in deciduous trees' leaves, making way for the colors of fall. Specific chemicals in individual trees account for autumn leaf color: Xanthophyl produces yellow leaves; Carotene creates orange leaves; and Anthocyanin within leaves leads to shades of red. These colors are most vibrant when the fall days are cool and sunny and the nights are chilly. Warm, wet weather will still produce fall colors, but they won't be nearly as bright and abundant.
New England Trees to Look Out For
If you're hoping to see lots of red leaves, you'll be sure to find them on the following trees: dogwoods; some maple trees; certain oaks, like red oaks and scarlet oaks; black tupelos; some sweetgums; sourwoods; and some sassafras. Orange and yellow leaves, or shades in between, can be spotted on hickory trees, ash trees, certain maple trees, yellow poplars or tulip trees, certain oak trees, like white oaks or chestnut oaks, beech trees, birch trees, some sassafras, some sweetgums, and sycamore trees. If you're hoping to embark on a New England leaf peeping journey, knowing which trees change color and why can help you better plan and appreciate your fall getaway. From Maine to Connecticut, the abundance of deciduous trees in this region of the U.S. guarantees breathtaking landscapes that won't soon be forgotten.
Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at About.com.