Autumn in Central Park is marked by changing colors. As trees prepare for their winter dormant period, a vibrant palette of yellow, gold, orange, red, and purple paint the landscape.
Bill Berliner is the Central Park Conservancy's Associate Vice-President of Horticulture and knows the facts about fall. "Three factors influence leaf color — leaf pigments, length of day, and weather. As days grow shorter and nights grow longer and cooler, biochemical processes in the leaves take place. Leaves lose their green when chlorophyll production slows and finally breaks down, allowing other pigments in the leaf to show through."
Weather conditions influence the timing and intensity of fall color. Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights produce the most vibrant colors and hues. Bill predicts the end of October and beginning of November will be the Park's peak.
Where does a tree expert go leaf peeping? "North Meadow is a brilliant mix of maples and oaks.” Bill adds. You'll see sugar maples turning bright orange with hints of yellow and red."
See the Park's best and brightest on your next visit.
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