Got Nature? Blog

WANE 15 Fort Wayne News & Weather interviews Dr. Jingjing Liang, associate professor of quantitative forest ecology from Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources, to ask the expert about when to expect fall leaves. Dr. Liang explains in WANE 15 video that if local forecast projections are correct with warmer temperatures and with little rain, we may have fall color earlier this year with leaves changing in the middle of October. Dr. Liang goes on to explain that with a reduction in solar energy and lower temperatures it will cause trees to produce less chlorophyll.

View full article, When to expect fall leaves this year written by Aaron Organ, for more information about why the green leaves turn to vibrant red, yellow and orange colors.

Check out our Got Nature blog “Why do Our Trees Go From Green Leaves to Different Colors?” which includes video Fall Color Pigments by Lenny Farlee, extension forester.

Other Resources:
Why Fall Color is Sometimes a Dud, Purdue Landscape Report
Forest Migration Plays a Role in Fall Foliage Colors, Purdue College of Agriculture News
U.S. Forest Service Fall Colors, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
ID That Tree Fall Color: Sugar Maple, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel, ID That Tree Playlist
ID That Tree Fall Color Edition: Black Gum, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel, ID That Tree Playlist
Autumn Highlights Tour – South Campus, Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Why Leaves Change Color – the Physiological Basis, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Subscribe, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources