How to Make the Most of the Fall Foliage Season

It’s that time of the year again when everything is pumpkin spiced, the leaves have started to fall and all that was green has started to turn a stunning reddish brown. To coincide with this transitional season, we’re celebrating all the best things to do in the fall.  

From enjoying the colours at one of Canada’s national parks to mulching the leaves on your lawn, here’s our guide to making the most of the foliage season. We’ll tell you where and when to see the red, orange and yellow colours and what you should be doing in your own backyard this season. 

Why Do Leaves Change Colour 

Before we explore how to make the most of this orange-hued season, it’s worth understanding why leaves turn this colour⁠—and it’s not because of pumpkin spice. Throughout the spring and summer, trees produce chlorophyll as they perform photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is responsible for the healthy green pigment of the trees leaves.  

As the weather starts to change in the late summer and autumn, less and less chlorophyll is produced which means the leaves start to lose their colour. With the weather getting cooler and darker, the leaves are unable to process light to create food and energy. This means the red, orange and yellow colours, which have been hidden by the green pigment created by chlorophyll, will now become more vibrant and visible.  

Where to See the Shades of Autumn  

There are many places to visit in Canada to take advantage of these fall colours, both close to home in Ontario and across the country. If you’re in Ontario, Ontario Parks has put together an interactive map that shows where and when to get the best look at these fantastic landscapes.  

The map shows what colour the leaves currently are and the percentage of leaves that have fallen so far. Of course, Algonquin park is a must-see, as well as Bruce Peninsula and Lake Superior. If you’re looking for a fall road trip across the country then you can’t go wrong with Mont Tremblant in the autumn, or the Rocky Mountains in Alberta.  

Taking Care of the Fall  

The fall season can be very picturesque while you’re hiking in Algonquin Park, but it can be a little frustrating closer to home when taking care of your lawn and yard. However, that doesn’t mean you have to start raking and bagging up the leaves to get rid of them. It’s easier and more beneficial to instead mulch the leaves on your lawn. Not only will this save you time and effort, but by doing so you will be providing your lawn with essential nutrients to help it prepare for the winter. For more information about the benefits of mulching leaves on your lawn, check out our dedicated blog post 

Fall is also an important time to work on your lawn to not only replenish it after the summer, but also to get ahead for next year. For your autumn lawn care preparation, we have put together a dedicated guide to ensure you come back to a green lawn next year after the spring melt.  

To take this one step further and truly ensure your lawn is looking its best next year, sign up for the 2020 Hometurf Complete Program and receive 10% offfree overseeding, as well as a free late fall fertilizer treatment this fallThis promotion goes until October 31st, 2019 so get started with an instant online quote! For more information about Hometurf’s services, visit our FAQ page and for all the best tips, check out our other blog posts!