For those readers that do not live in an area where leaves seasonally do not change, you will learn that this lateness in the leaves changing shows indications for everyone’s climate
There are many things that change during the season of fall in the northeastern USA. I love changing into sweaters, long sleeves, pants and light jackets. I like pumpkins, and fall holidays. Then there is the coolness of the air, that makes sleeping luxurious. Usually by this date, there is a tapestry of colorful leaves flying around and covering our yards and streets. It‘s October 12 and most of the leaves are still summer green. What is going on?
The eight warmest Octobers have been in the last eight years. According to the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the northeast is heating up more than any other part of North America. According to a study done by George Mason University on maple trees, fall foliage is a month later than it was in the 19th century. Other reasons for the delay in color change is either the abundance or the lack of rain. There is also the infestation of insects. Now I know some of you don‘t want to hear this, but all of these threats are due to climate change.
To understand the changing of leaves we have to get a bit scientific. As trees are preparing to turn from the warm summer sunlight to the winter cold the chlorophyll shuts down. Trees grab their last nutrients and this is when we start to see the blazing colors that for most states signals fall. The change from warm to cold are signals for the trees that it is time to close up the chlorophyll shop. This is known as leaf senescence.
The tardiness of the leaf colors display, can actually indicate potential larger issues for trees. Forests absorb about 30% of yearly carbon dioxide emissions.. With a shorter dormant period, it is still not known how well our trees can protect us from the carbon. If the weather continues to trend warmer, there are some trees that won‘t survive. There are some trees that require cooler weather which might move to cooler climates like Canada. It is also likely that the vibrant red leaves we now gawk at up north might become rare. The fall landscape might turn more golden.
Another issue that is related to a possible shortening of the life changing season is financial. Many people come to visit places where they can embrace the spectacular fall..In the past fall, sightseeing has brought in as much as $30 billion from Maine to the Carolinas. If fall becomes a shorter season, in turn so will the fall tourism business. This will lead to less revenue for small shops, restaurants and lodging. Unfortunately, these are the same areas that rely on the winter season. Woefully, the northeastern ski season last year did not provide much snow.
Along with the lack of colorful leaves, there is also a lack of snow. My advice is enjoy your natural experiences as they come, because we have no idea what the future will bring. If you’re lucky enough to catch the bouquet of fall colors, then take a walk and think about one way you can improve your carbon footprint and take pics. WTH
1 thought on “Why is it Mid-October and the Leaves Have Not Changed?”
Agree 100% that climate change is causing all kinds of unwelcome environmental changes. We moved from Northern VA in 2013 to outside of Hilton Head SC where the coastline is indented. That indentation had prevented hurricanes from hitting that area for over one hundred years. Thanks to climate change however, in our 9-years here, we’ve been touched by four hurricanes. The renaining saving grace is no snow or ice. But perhaps climate change will spread that feature to points north. All in all, time to consider moving.