OUTDOOR CORNER: FINDING THE RIGHT WORDS FOR ANNUAL QUESTIONS OF FALL

The signs of fall are all around us. Shorter days and cool crisp nights, together team up to produce one of mother nature's most spectacular events, the annual process of tree leaves changing colors.

This rather complex process, whereby leaves change from green to a variety of the characteristic colors of fall and finally turning into brown, can be primarily explained by a decrease in the amount of solar energy or sunlight a leaf receives. When the days get shorter and nights cooler, photosynthesis stops. Photosynthesis is the miracle process of all plant life where the energy of the sun is captured and turned into food for the plant.

Chlorophyll, a chemical by-product of photosynthesis, is the green pigment found in leaves, grass and other plants. When photosynthesis stops and chlorophyll is not longer produced, plants begin to lose their green color. With the green pigment gone, other chemicals in the leaf now show their colors. These colors which include red, yellow, orange and purple are what makes trees beautiful.

Every year about this time, people often ask me, "Are the trees going to be colorful this fall?" Every year I give my standard replay, "Yes, the leaves are going to be beautiful once again this fall."

Can you remember a year when the leaves weren't beautiful? Beauty is a sort of subjective quality and it's largely up to the perspective of the beholder. From my perspective, a forester who just endured another hot, sweaty summer of picking ticks and chiggers, I can't remember any fall that wasn't beautiful. Who in their right mind would say bah-humbug to a forest landscape of vivid colors, daytime temperatures in the 70's and no chiggers?

The only debatable characteristics of fall's panoramic splendor is the peak and duration of the color. Another question I'm often asked this time of year is, "When will the fall foliage be at its peak and how long will it last?" My replay every year is, "The peak of a fall color will fall one week on either side of Oct. 21 and will last for about two weeks."

In our region of the Midwest, the peak of fall color will generally fall somewhere in the two-week period beginning on Oct. 14 and ending Oct. 28. Serious fall foliage seekers should play in their sightseeing forays during this period. Usually fall color, for all practical purposes, has ended by Halloween.

Although the beautiful colors of autumn may wane, the splendor of leaves live on. My 5-year-old son recently reminded me of this fun-filled fact when he asked if we were going to make a leaf pile to play in. A few prematurely fallen leaves at his daycare had served as the stimulus for his interest and excitement. A reflection of our childhood memories no doubt includes fun in a leaf pile for most of us.

Many adults, however, have long since lost that youthful exuberance for leaves while clutching the handle of a leaf rake. Yours truly however is not one of those. I've long since been liberated from the tedious task of leaf raking and have traded by rake in for a mulching mower. Once my sons have gotten all the cheap entertainment they can stand from the new crop of freshly fallen leaves, I turn them into fertilizer for next year's leaf crop. Ecologically speaking, the nutrients stored in leaves can be returned to the soil to be used again by mulching and leaving the shredded bits in place. Healthy forests have existed for millions of years without raking and removing leaves. Who am I to question a track record like that. The only time I remove leaves is if they harbor certain diseases or insects which could threaten the health of the tree.

Opportunities to enjoy Mother Nature at her best are numerous this fall. A peaceful drive through the countryside, a walk in the woods, or a leaf pile in the yard can all be sources of enjoyment. Other sources of fall pleasure are the many special events held in our area. One in particular is the "An Autumn Day in the Woods" tour of the Castro River Conservation Area in Bollinger County on Oct. 25. A picnic lunch, snacks and beverages will be provided. The number of tour attendees is limited, so call 573-238-2321 for specific information about this tour.

However you decide to enjoy this fabulous time of year we call fall, just remember the leaf and its contribution to your enjoyment.

Rocky Hayes is an urban forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation.