But geography doesn’t automatically indicate vibrant colors – weather often plays a more important role. So, where is the weather conducive to plucking good leaves this year?
Adequate foliage conditions depend on a good combination of temperature (not too hot and not too cold) and humidity (not too wet or too dry). The problem is that some areas Is Experienced these extreme conditions, especially in the West and New England.
75% of the west is in a state of drought. More than 80% of Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and New Hampshire are experiencing severe drought.
But even more vivid fall is reported in some areas of the same New England that have witnessed drought conditions.
Professor of Forest Ecology and Forestry at the University of Vermont, Dr. “This year we are seeing exceptionally vibrant fall foliage in Vermont,” said William Keaton. “It’s due to a combination of factors including good tree growth last year, mild drought and hot days and cold nights in the last month.”
Drought can stimulate more vibrant colors, time can be premature.
“This year the colors are coming two weeks earlier than usual and will probably go fast and furious,” Keaton said. “Mostly, because drought creates stress for the trees – physical stress. So from that point of view, when drought increases some colors, stress is not a good thing and can be a harbinger of things to come. Climate change.”
In addition to early onset, leaf color also has an effect on duration.
Caitlin Weber, a data analyst at Climate Central, said that in terms of fall foliage, the leaves may change color earlier due to drought, but they may die and fall earlier. “Prolonged and excessive droughts cause physical damage to trees such as damage to roots, slow growth, and difficult for trees to protect themselves against pests and diseases.”
Due to which the level of drought is also important.
Vermont, for example, has the most severe droughts (1 out of 4 levels), as opposed to New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine, which have the most severe droughts (2 out of 4 levels). And Rhode Island is almost entirely under extreme drought (3 out of 4 levels).
“A mild to moderate drought can actually increase the fall foliage to some extent, unless there are lots of browning or early leaves,” Keaton said. “Then, one year of drought may mean less strong leaf production next year.”
So it doesn’t always have an instant effect. Often the effects of drought are delayed. Currently, 76% of Vermont is under moderate drought conditions or worse. But at the same time last year, 0% of the state was in a state of drought.
Keiton said the good growth of the tree last year will allow the tree to store energy reserves and nutrients during the winter, resulting in strong leaf growth this spring and summer. “But this works the other way too … One year’s worst drought could lead to poor foliage next year.”
Extreme heat and climate change
Ideal conditions for vibrant foliage include hot days and cold nights. It promotes the production of a chemical called anthocyanin, which adds red and purple colors to some varieties, such as maple.
“The contrasting temperature between night and day speeds up the loss of chlorophyll from the leaves, releasing secondary photosynthetic pigments (carotenoids) and giving us a yellow and orange color,” Keiton said.
However, like a drought, intense heat can be enough to cause early starvation or leaf loss on trees. And moderate heat, or prolonged heat – when autumn feels more like an extension of summer – can delay the change in falling colors, as the trees do not receive a signal that the fall has arrived.
“It’s possible for plants to miss the cue together and lose its leaves quickly,” Weber said.
In western states like Colorado and New Mexico, tourists explore the vivid leaves of aspen and scrub oak trees. These two states, along with Nevada and Utah, had the hottest August on record this year. New Mexico had the most summers (June to August) on record.
The causes of the fall foliage are complex and they really don’t fully understand it, Keaton said. “Drought is one of the many factors, the other is the contrast between photoperiod and night time and nighttime temperatures in autumn. All of this just shows how attractive our forest ecosystems are!”
Wildfires will add another obstacle / confusion
Wildfires will also complicate leaf piping in Colorado and California this year. Some states are still dealing with poor air quality and lazy skies from the smoke. That mist will block your ability to see vibrant colors.
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