Why fall color arrives later in South Texas and where to see it

Warm temperatures can delay fall colors until mid-to-late November in South Texas, but residents don’t have to travel far to enjoy the seasonal display.

Many Texans look to the fall season for relief from the summer heat, but we’re not the only ones. Trees also anticipate cooler temperatures to signal the beginning of their turn from green leaves to dreamy displays of fall foliage.

The science of the color change

Leaves stay green during the growing season because they contain chlorophyll, a pigment that helps plants use sunlight to make food through photosynthesis.

In the fall, trees reduce production and break down chlorophyll. This is stimulated by cooler nighttime temperatures and fewer hours of sunlight during the fall season. With less chlorophyll, other pigments are allowed to reveal themselves.

Fall pigments and their colors:

• Anthocyanins create the red color.
• Carotenoids create orange colors.
• Xanthophylls create the yellow color.

The most vibrant colors develop when trees are not dealing with drought and weather conditions stay sunny with seasonably warm afternoons and cool nights.

In South Texas, those conditions tend to arrive later in the fall season, resulting in peak foliage around San Antonio in mid-to-late November.

Enjoying fall colors close to home

Texas Arbor Day is Nov. 1. Texas A&M AgriLife Research recommends planting trees from mid-October through the end of November.

Donald Gerber, owner of Pollinatives, said fall planting gives trees time to establish roots through the cooler months before summer heat arrives.

For homeowners interested in adding fall colors to their yard, Gerber sells trees native to Texas with color-changing features.

He recommended the prairie flameleaf sumac, which turns red, and the cedar elm, which turns yellow. Despite its name, cedar elm is not the tree that contributes to intense allergies and ‘cedar fever.’ Plus, cedar elm can grow relatively quickly to provide shade.

Bur Oak, the Texas or Mexican redbud, or Western Soapberry are also options for Texas yards.

If you’re up for taking a trip to see the deep red fall colors, Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool posts weekly updates about the local maple trees’ transformation throughout November.

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