The emergence of new leaves on woody plants marks the onset of the growing season and affects a host of ecosystem functions. Phenology is the study of natural annual phenomena, including the timing of leaf-out. Leaf-out is defined as the moment when the full shape of the leaf is visible on trees. The purpose of this study is to investigate if leaf-out time influences a tree’s growing season. Does having an earlier leaf-out time mean leaves will die earlier than expected? This research is to investigate what happens if the tree’s natural leaf-out time shifts. With climate change, temperature patterns are changing, and plants may be adapting. Understanding the mechanisms influencing the timing of leaf-out could provide a clearer understanding of how growing season is affected. Preliminary analysis of Harvard Forest Schoolyard LTER Database reveals that Quercus alba are beginning to lose their leaves earlier each year. We will use data from 3 sites over the span of 5 years during the spring and fall. The three sites selected are Springfield, MA, Ashland, MA and Holden, MA. We predict that shifts in weather may result in shorter growing seasons. This research increases our understanding of phenology in the face of climate change.
