There are 4 main types of coloring agents in the leaves:Chlorophyl A is dark green, Chlorophyl B is light green, Zanthophyl is yellow, and Carotine is orange-red.
The leaf base is usually grey to black.
These agents die off in that order. Thus, the fall colors.
The amount of “antifreeze” (usually sugar) in the sap and the shape of the leaf — especially the stoma, or respiratory openings, in the bottom of the leaf — determines the precise temperature at which each agent dies, if at all.
jackdohany about 11 years ago
Yeah. Leave the leaves be. They’ll turn into fertilizer.
Comic Minister Premium Member about 11 years ago
Agreed Kate.
Lamberger about 11 years ago
There are 4 main types of coloring agents in the leaves:Chlorophyl A is dark green, Chlorophyl B is light green, Zanthophyl is yellow, and Carotine is orange-red.
The leaf base is usually grey to black.
These agents die off in that order. Thus, the fall colors.
The amount of “antifreeze” (usually sugar) in the sap and the shape of the leaf — especially the stoma, or respiratory openings, in the bottom of the leaf — determines the precise temperature at which each agent dies, if at all.