Why do leaves change colors in the fall?
In terms of the biology of a tree, leaves are essentially the birthing points of food for the tree as a whole. They begin by taking up water from the soil, and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Following this trees use photosynthesis to transform carbon dioxide into fresh oxygen, and water into glucose. The process of creating chlorophyll is what gives plants and trees their green hues.
When summer comes to an end and the days begin to get shorter leaves are left not able to make the same amount of chlorophyll. This is the main reason that purple, brown, orange, and yellow leaves begin to appear. Most people are under the impression that weather is the main cause of color change in leaves. Specifically, it is the climate that controls the intensity of the leaves colors. Water is a major factor in the color of a crown as well. If there is too little water than leaves won’t survive long enough, or prosper enough to create the vibrant colors we recognize them for. However, if there is an excess of rain the tree won’t be able to absorb enough sunlight to process it all. This often results in dull or dead looking leaves in the crown.