Maple Leaves Change From Green To Red In October Royalty-Free Stock Photo

The degree to which maple leaves turn red is related to factors such as time, drought, pollution and especially lack of nitrogen. The reddening of maple leaves is actually the result of the maple tree's response to stress in nature. The reddening reaction actually acts as a sunscreen, keeping the leaves on the tree longer, which in turn allows the tree to absorb more nutrients. Studies have found that nutritional stress, especially the lack of nitrogen, causes maple leaves to turn red earlier and more thoroughly