It’s leaf peeping season in Central Jersey | Gardener State
We are currently in peak leaf season in Central Jersey. This is the time of year when many tree species display their most vibrant autumn leaf colors. While many of us may only experience this phenomenon from our car windows as we are driving by, this timeless natural occurrence can be more fully appreciated while walking through one of our many county parks or state forests.
Why do leaves change color?
The main factor that triggers leaves to change color involves the shorter days and longer nights that are occurring this time of year. This reduction in sunlight sends a signal to the tree that winter is coming, and it is time to start the process of going into dormancy.
What affects leaf color?
Leaves change color because they contain different colored pigments that break down at different times throughout the fall. The green pigments (chlorophyll) start to break down first and this reveals other pigments that appear in combinations of red, yellow and orange.
Have you ever noticed that in some years the leaves are spectacular and in other years they just seem to turn brown and fall to the ground? Every year is a little bit different, as temperature and moisture conditions are the major factors that influence the amount of color that we see during this process. The best and longest color displays happen when the days are warm and sunny, and the nights are cool but not freezing. This prolongs the color change process and encourages the leaves to slowly reveal their next hue.
Different species of trees change colors, lose leaves at different times
Tulip poplars are some of the earliest trees to change color, with their leaves turning a vibrant yellow to kick off the season. Next are the maples, with our native red maples and sugar maples producing some of the most magnificent tones of red, yellow and orange that you could expect to see in the Garden State. Tupelo trees then turn yellow-orange progressing to red and dogwood leaves turn more of a purplish red. The leaves of beech trees will then turn yellow, while oaks are some of the last trees to retain their green leaves, providing a distinct contrast to the colorful display that is being put on by the other showier tree species.
The New Jersey Forest Service has produced a map of fall foliage conditions for different locations throughout the state. The map is updated weekly and indicates which regions are in peak leaf color at any given time. The map can be viewed at facebook.com/NewJerseyForests.
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If you have leaves in your yard, you can spread them into a shallow layer and mow over them with a mulching mower. The small pieces of leaves are a great source of organic matter for the lawn, but they must be chopped into smaller pieces first, so they do not smother the grass. Extra leaves can also be raked into garden beds for mulch.
Where to go in Central Jersey
Cheesequake State Park is near the top of the list for places to see fall foliage in Central Jersey. Cheesequake features hiking trails for all abilities that go through open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens and a northeastern hardwood forest. There is also an interpretive center where you can learn about the ecology of the park. Cheesequake State Park is located at 300 Gordon Road in Matawan and the gate is open every day from 8 am to 7 pm. Entry to the park is free for the 2022 season.
Allaire State Park also offers great hiking opportunities for seeing fall colors on more than 3,200 acres of preserved land. The park features more than 200 different species of wildflowers, trees and plants, as well as the Historic Allaire Village, which is a living history museum of an iron-producing, factory town that was located there in the early 1900s. Allaire State Park is located at 4265 Atlantic Ave. in Farmingdale and is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Entry to the park is free for the 2022 season. Hours and fees for the Historic Allaire Village differ from the park, so be sure to check its website for more information, allairevillage.org.
The Manasquan Reservoir is a part of the Monmouth County Parks System that has many deciduous trees with excellent leaf color. The site includes a 770-acre reservoir and over 400 acres of land, along with hiking trails and an environmental center. The park is located at 311 Windeler Road in Howell and is open from 7 am to dusk.
William Errickson is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Monmouth County.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: It’s leaf peeping season in Central Jersey | Gardener State