Fall fireworks: Tree colors are popping around the suburbs
The fall color season is upon us, and it’s really popping.
Science says the colors emerge when the chlorophyll production stops, which generally happens as the days get shorter and the nights cooler. This breakdown reveals underlying yellow and orange pigments that were always in the leaf. Some trees then produce new reddish-purple pigments from sugars trapped in the leaves.
Short sunny days and wet fall weather can contribute to the intensity of colors that are produced.
Thankfully, northern Illinois has no shortage of beautiful forest preserves, and even neighborhoods, where you can enjoy Mother Nature’s fall fireworks.
Trees lining Brighton Circle in the River Walk subdivision in Port Barrington are turning starting to turn colors.
Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com
Brightly colored leaves scatter on Brighton Circle in the River Walk subdivision in Port Barrington.
Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com
A small maple turns orange and mimics the shape of the Inverness Village Hall building.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
A young white-tail buck steps gingerly through a Crystal Lake backyard and passes under a yellowing walnut tree.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
The sun sets behind a field of soybeans a few days before a mid-October harvest in Elgin.
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com