As fall arrives in Florida, locals might notice a subtle change in the landscape. While northern states experience dramatic bursts of color from elm, oak, and birch trees, Florida’s fall is more understated. Nevertheless, several native and nonnative trees offer beautiful splashes of color during the fall months.
Understanding why these trees change color can deepen our appreciation for the natural beauty Florida provides, even during a season many associate with milder changes.
THE SCIENCE OF FALL COLOR CHANGES
Why do trees change color in the fall? The process is driven by shorter days and cooler temperatures, which trigger changes in leaf pigments. The main player here is chlorophyll—the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis.
As days shorten and temperatures drop, trees produce less chlorophyll, and other pigments in the leaves become visible. Carotenoids provide yellow and orange hues and are present year-round but masked by chlorophyll. Anthocyanins contribute red and purple tones. Unlike carotenoids, they are produced in late summer and fall. And tannins create brown colors, often found in oaks and species that hold onto their leaves longer.
When shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures signal trees to slow down growth in preparation for winter, chlorophyll breaks down. As the greens fade, the vibrant yellows, oranges, reds, and browns that were previously hidden by the chlorophyll become visible, marking the transition into fall.
CLIMATE AND FALL COLORS IN FLORIDA
Because Florida experiences a much milder fall and winter, many tree species don’t experience the sharp temperature drops that trigger vibrant color changes seen in other parts of the country. As a result, the transition is often more gradual and subtle, with some trees retaining green leaves into late fall or even winter.
Florida’s subtropical climate means fall arrives gradually. Trees in areas with ample rainfall may change color later. Tree health also influences color vibrancy—healthy trees tend to display more vivid colors than those stressed by drought or pests.
In urban areas, trees growing in compacted soils may not exhibit the same brilliant hues as their rural counterparts. Furthermore, artificial lighting, such as streetlights, can affect trees’ fall color changes in urban areas. Prolonged exposure to light delays the reduction of chlorophyll, postponing or muting fall colors. Trees exposed to constant artificial light may not change color at all, a phenomenon documented in urban settings.
In addition to the subtle changes in trees, another sign of fall in Florida is the browning of aquatic plants in our many lakes. After the first or second strong cold front, you will notice aquatic plants along the shorelines die back, which is a natural part of the seasonal shift. For many Floridians, this change signals that fall has truly arrived. Rather than viewing it as unsightly, it is an opportunity to appreciate the unique ways our environment transitions through the seasons, even in a state known for its milder weather.
FLORIDA’S FALL COLORS
Though Florida’s fall palette is less vibrant than in more temperate regions, several tree species still put on a show. The fall color change is more noticeable in northern Florida, and central Florida trees may have an even more subdued change. Common species that provide color in Polk County include:
• Red Maples (Acer rubrum), with bright red fall foliage along rivers and wetter areas. In irrigated landscapes, red maples can provide a brilliant fall color from its leaves and from its seed casing, called a winged samara.
• Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), displaying yellow, orange, red, and purple hues.
• Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum), turning coppery orange in wetlands before shedding needles. This coppery orange could be called brown, but we prefer the more autumnal “bronze.”
• American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), whose leaves turn golden yellow before dropping and providing a very satisfying leaf crunch when walked upon.
DON’T MISTAKE BALD CYPRESS FALL COLOR FOR STORM DAMAGE
After Hurricane Milton, many residents are removing damaged trees, but it’s important not to mistake the natural browning of bald cypress trees for storm damage. Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) naturally turns bronze or copper in the fall as part of its seasonal cycle. This is a normal color change, not an indicator of injury or death.
Before removing any cypress tree, remember that they shed their needles each fall and regrow fresh green ones in spring. Consult with an ISA certified arborist or contact the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Bartow for advice on tree health. You can find a certified arborist at: treesaregood.org/findanarborist
EMBRACE THE SUBTLE BEAUTY OF FLORIDA’S FALL
While Florida’s fall colors might be more understated than in the northern U.S., they are no less remarkable. Trees like the red maple, sweetgum, and bald cypress offer a burst of color against the backdrop of evergreens and tropical landscaping. Understanding why trees change color can deepen our appreciation of this seasonal transformation.
As you enjoy the cooler days of autumn that are on the way, take a moment to observe the natural world around you. Whether it’s the vibrant red of a maple tree or the bronze glow of a bald cypress, Florida’s fall colors are a reminder of the state’s rich biodiversity. Consider planting a native tree in your yard to enjoy seasonal color and support local wildlife.
For more information about fall colors, local tree species, or how to care for trees in your yard, feel free to contact us at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Office or reach out to me on social media. You can find us at facebook.com/polkextension or on Instagram at @PolkNR.
