As August closes out and with September nearly here, it means the autumn season is fast approaching. Trees will start turning colors to showcase the brilliance of the season.
The first day of autumn is Sept. 22, but it will take a little bit longer for leaves to start to turn in Missouri. The fall season traverses from north to south across the U.S. as axial tilt of the earth starts to move the northern hemisphere away from the more direct sunlight of summer, leading to the cooler temperatures that herald the season.
The northernmost counties across the border states with Canada will start to see some minimal leaf color changes starting Sept. 2. It will take a few more weeks before Missouri starts to see anything, per the Smoky Mountain's tourism Fall Foliage Prediction Map. The Missouri Department of Conservation predicts mid-September for when the first leaves will start to turn. The department tracks fall color throughout the approximately six to eight weeks leaves remain on trees.
The prediction map has minimal changes happening in southwestern Missouri by Sept. 30, while the rest of the state remains unchanged. That does not last long, as by Oct. 7 the prediction map has all of Missouri showing minimal changes to patchy for the southwest. MDC predicts the peak for colors is mid-October, and the prediction map puts it closer to late October or early November.
The first trees to change are sassafras, sumac and Virginia creeper in mid-September, MDC said. Toward late September black gum, bittersweet and dogwood turn. October is when maples, ashes, hickories, and oaks show off.
By about mid- to late November trees are free of leaves.
Where to see fall leaves in Missouri
For those wanting to enjoy the season and view fall foliage colors when at their peak, MDC recommends visiting any number of conservation areas or state parks in the many regions of the state.
In central Missouri, within 50 miles of Boone County, there are more than 100 conservation areas. There also are a dozen state parks or historic sites in the central region. In southwest Missouri, within 50 miles of Greene County, there are nearly 100 conservation areas. The southwest region has 18 state parks and historic sites.
Conservation areas and parks with lakes are a safe bet for seeing fall foliage as the water provides an open area in which to look across at trees and their colors. For a closer look at the trees, find areas and parks with a good and clearly marked trail system.
More: Summer road trip? Here are the best scenic views between the Missouri and Buffalo rivers
Why do leaves change colors in the fall?
Tree leaves through most of the year are green due to abundant sunlight hours, which contributes to the production of chlorophyl. This is the green color in the leaves.
As temperatures cool and sunlight hours dwindle, plants and trees are not producing as much chlorophyl and so the colorful carotenoids and anthocyanins start to shine through. The former gives leaves the yellow to orange color and are why carrots and pumpkins are similarly hued. The latter are the deep reds and even purples, and is why ripe apples, berries and grapes have those colors, too.
The reduced sunlight hours are the main factor for the change, but the change in temperature also contributes. Plants, instead of producing the sugars it needs through chlorophyll start to store these sugars to protect from the colder temperatures. So, the cooler temperatures mean chlorophyll breaks down faster, contributing to the appearance of the other colors.
Think of this process like a deep breath in by trees and other plants in the fall. It's bringing all that it needs inside for continued survival and when the spring comes it's the breath out, putting all that it stored back into the limbs and bringing back the leaf buds and new green leaves.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: When can you see autumn colors in Missouri? What to expect this fall
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