A burst of autumn color isn’t just scenic — it’s chemistry at work. As days grow shorter and temperatures cool, trees stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment that powers photosynthesis. When that green fades, the carotenoids that were in the leaves all summer finally show through, creating the reliable yellows and oranges of birch, aspen, and hickory. Biologists say the whole process is part of a controlled shutdown: trees reclaim nutrients, seal off leaves, and prepare for winter dormancy. The color show is simply the visible side effect of that survival strategy.

A burst of autumn color isn&rsquo;t just scenic &mdash; it&rsquo;s chemistry at work. As days grow shorter and temperatures cool, trees stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment that powers photosynthesis. When that green fades, the carotenoids that were in the leaves all summer finally show through, creating the reliable yellows and oranges of birch, aspen, and hickory.&nbsp;Biologists say the whole process is part of a controlled shutdown: trees reclaim nutrients, seal off leaves, and prepare for winter dormancy. The color show is simply the visible side effect of that survival strategy.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.