Fall Color on the Winter Solstice

Today is the Winter Solstice. The official start of winter (in the northern hemisphere), the shortest day of the year. Of course, it is also the time that some of Austin’s trees break out their fall color. This is the red oak in my front yard.

Fall Color on the Winter Solstice

I didn’t think it would turn this year. The last month has been dreary and wet. The best recipe for fall color is bright sunny days and crisp nights. That describes the past couple of days. It hit 70 today, under a bright blue sky.

Fall Color on the Winter Solstice

I was afraid the leaves would fall before they turned. This oak has been a dull brown for the last few weeks. This weekend, it turned bright red.

Fall Color on the Winter Solstice

It’s a tall tree that can be seen from all over the neighborhood.

Fall Color on the Winter Solstice

One of the only things Central Texas lacks is a true autumn. There are only three seasons here: Winterish, Almost Summer, and Hot As Blazes. I usually have to travel, a long way, to see pretty autumn leaves.

Fall Color on the Winter Solstice

Even the pear trees in the side yard are flashing a little orange and gold. My pecans and the box elder shed their leaves already. The backyard is buried in six inches of leaves, leaving Chisos few options for her business.

Fall Color on the Winter Solstice

That’s really the only downside to having a big, beautiful oak tree afire with bright red leaves.

Fall Color on the Winter Solstice

They end up on the ground a few days later.

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