Why Do Leaves Change Color?

Ever wondered what makes leaves change color in the Fall?  The most common answer is colder temperatures.  But leaves actually begin to turn before the cooler days of Fall arrive.

So what gives us the beautiful display of fall colors?  The answer is a combination of less sunlight, colder temperatures and the production Chlorophyll, a green pigment.  Less sunlight and colder temperatures slows chlorophyll production and leaves lose their green color.  The result is a real treat.  We get to see the reds, yellows and oranges that are normally hidden by the overpowering presence of green Chlorophyll.  Want to learn more?  Check out this video from The Weather Channel.