In Houston, Texas, the emergence of fall colors in early December and their potential continuation until New Year’s is a subject of interest. Meteorologist Elyse Smith explored the phenomenon, discussing it with local tree experts at the Houston Arboretum in anticipation of winter’s onset.
Steven Frederick from Texas A&M Agrilife Extension shared insights on the current state of Houston’s trees, emphasizing their resilience despite challenges like the recent flash drought and winter freeze in February 2021. The vibrant fall colors observed this year are indicative of the overall health of the trees.
The occurrence of fall colors is intricately tied to weather conditions. The combination of reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures prompts leaves to lose chlorophyll, the green pigment. With diminishing chlorophyll, the natural hues of fall—reds, yellows, browns, and oranges—become more apparent. However, experts caution that observing fall colors at unconventional times, particularly closer to September, might signal potential issues for trees.
Christine Mansfield, senior manager of marketing at the Houston Arboretum, highlighted the importance of monitoring tree health throughout the seasons. Any abnormal changes, such as alterations in leaf color, limb loss, or bark shedding, warrant professional attention. She recommended observing trees regularly and noting variations from year to year to detect potential problems.
Frederick provided winter care tips to maintain tree health, including mulching and watering before they go dormant. It’s crucial to recognize that not all trees, like pine trees, undergo dormancy in winter, necessitating ongoing care. A positive sign of a tree’s health after winter is when it begins to bud in the spring.
