Why do leaves change color in the Fall?

Posted October 7, 2009 by Sarada Krishnan, Director of Horticulture

Malus 'Beverly'

Have you ever wondered what really happens within plants to help them carry on through the winter? As autumn approaches, the sun begins to set closer to the horizon, leading to cooler nights and shorter day lengths. This sends a warning signal to plants that winter is soon approaching and that they need to get ready to go into dormancy, which is similar to hibernation in animals. During dormancy, the plants stop growing,
Read more »