Tag Archives: Photosynthesis

Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?

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Many people look forward to all the colors of autumn. With all the various shades of oranges, reds, and yellows surrounding us, it is really no surprise! But have you ever thought about why tree leaves change colors from summer to fall and back again? Continue reading to finally put an answer to this very common nature question.

Photosynthesis

Why does a maple leaf turn bright red? And why does the oak leaf turn yellow and orange? Where do these colors come from? The answer of course is, photosynthesis. You may remember learning about photosynthesis as a child, but it may be time for a brush up. Leaves produce and distribute food for trees by deriving water from the ground and carbon dioxide from the air. Trees then use sunlight to change water and CO2 into oxygen and glucose: two essential elements trees need to survive. Without glucose and oxygen, trees lack energy and growth potential. And the process of turning water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose is called photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll

So what does photosynthesis have to do with leaves changing color in the fall? Well, a chemical called chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis to take place. And it is this chemical that gives leaves their green color. When the days start to get shorter, trees have a biological instinct prepare for winter. During this preparation process, trees will begin to shut down their food production because there is simply not enough sunlight during the day for photosynthesis to happen. This means the green chlorophyll disappears in leaves. When the chlorophyll is gone, the result is a different color leaf. Trapped glucose is what causes the shades of red, while yellows and oranges are simply what lay underneath all the chlorophyll.

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Can English Ivy Harm My Trees?

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English Ivy is a popular fast-growing evergreen vine found grasping and climbing just about anything it can, including fences, telephone poles, street signs, homes, buildings, and trees. It is a visually-stunning flora for any property, given that it remains green and lush throughout the winter seasons. It can also be eco-friendly, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. But what many property owners do not realize about English Ivy are the negative affects it can have on landscaping trees.

Continue reading to learn why English Ivy can be harmful to trees and how it can be responsibly managed.

Invasive and Resilient

English Ivy is not a native species to the United States, having been brought over by European immigrants centuries ago. English Ivy is resilient and long-lasting for many reasons. Not only does it contain tiny roots that ooze a glue-like substance allowing it to stick anywhere, it requires virtually no maintenance once it starts growing. Also, it has no natural pests and is not susceptible to any diseases that can hinder its growth, which is one reason why ivy grows so rapidly and so vastly. For this reason, it can quickly become a nuisance vine, overcoming all biodiversity and structures in its path. Although it is not technically considered an invasive species in Indiana, it is important for property owners to responsibly manage and control their English Ivy growths so other properties and landscapes are not affected or overcome by it.

Tree Damages

English Ivy may look beautiful wrapped gracefully around your trees, but in reality, it is damaging them. It is important to have English Ivy removed once it becomes out of control. It is a time-consuming process that will require professional assistance. If it has damaged a tree more than 30 percent, the tree must be removed for safety purposes. English Ivy is harmful to trees because it is heavy and suffocating. Here are some details regarding the harmful effects of English Ivy on trees:

It Adds Strain and Stress to Trees. Because it’s heavy in weight, English Ivy puts a tree under a lot of pressure and duress. The added weight is not only a burden, it can jeopardize the tree’s structural integrity during its vulnerable seasons. During these times, strong winds and storms can easily take a tree down that is overcome with heavy ivy growth.

It Hinders Photosynthesis. Since English Ivy grows so thick and abundant, it covers the tree entirely, inhibiting sunlight exposure. When a tree cannot get enough sunlight, it cannot receive sufficient nutrients through the process of photosynthesis.

It Constricts and Suffocates Trees. When English Ivy grows over a tree, it covers the tree bark all the way around. This “hugging” of the tree is actually constricting the tree’s growth. It cannot expand in girth because the ivy is holding it back. This will render a tree weakened and hazardous.

It Steals Nutrients. English Ivy roots lay on top of tree roots, which means it is taking in all the water and nutrients first that would otherwise go directly to the tree. Also, it inhibits other forms of nutrients, like fall leaves and other natural remains. After some time, the tree will die of dehydration and nutrient deficiency.

It Blocks Tree Bark Pores. Tree bark contains tiny pores called lenticils that facilitate the exchange of natural gases. With English Ivy blocking these pores with overgrowth, the tree cannot function properly and soon dies.

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