By Amanda Shepperd
University of Nebraska Extension Master Gardener
Aug. 28 – Who’s looking forward to fall? Did you know that the leaf color changes that we all love and enjoy are from the absence of different pigment combinations in the leaves that we are enjoying? First the color green comes from the abundance of chlorophyll pigment feeding the tree throughout the spring and summer. Then in the fall the chlorophyll breaks down and other pigments are more abundant and show through. Flavonoids show up as a beautiful yellow, carotenoids show up as a beautiful orange, and lastly, one of my favorites, red comes from the pigment anthocyanin.
Aug. 29 – While the trees are changing colors and showing us the beauty of letting go, it is best to keep caring for them going into the winter season. Fall and winter watering is something to keep in mind as the soil dries out and the temperatures cool down. Water during the day when temperatures are at least 40–50°F, and finish before sunset so the water has time to drain into the soil. It is okay to water about 1–2 times a month during the cooler months.
Aug. 30 – Did you know that trees can talk to one another? They do this through mycelium or mycorrhiza. Mycelium is a living fungus that expands below the soil, creating a network of connections between all plant species, something like the Internet, which allows them not only to communicate but also to take care of themselves, protect themselves, feed themselves and stock up on water. When a tree is cut down in the forest, this mycelium communicates to the rest of the trees that one of them is dying, and the others, through the mycelium, begin to take care of the remaining trunk through feeding, watering, and protecting it, to try to save that tree. This happens when there is insects or diseases going through a forest.
Aug. 31 – Just like Fall colors, the conifers or evergreen trees stay green year-round. Have you ever wondered why or how they are able to stay this way? They have a number of adaptations that help out. This is achieved through the adaptation of the shape of their leaves. The evergreens have strong leaves that are rolled up as long, thin needles with a waxy coating. The needle leaf shape enables the evergreens to conserve water during the summer and winter to allow the photosynthesis process to continue. This is why the leaves can remain attached longer and stay green all year. The needle leaves of evergreens are shed in a two-year cycle. So it is okay when your evergreen is looking a little thin once in a while.
Sept. 1 – One last fact to think about. Trees are the longest-living organisms on Earth and never die of old age. This puzzles me, but when thought about there are many things that do their best to kill trees and many ways to harm one. California holds the record for the oldest living trees. Some of the state’s bristlecone pines and giant sequoias are 4,000-5,000 years old. Methuselah, living in the White Mountains, is estimated to be a 4,852-year-old ancient Bristlecone Pine, one of the world’s oldest living trees.