September 1, 2004

The days are getting shorter and the nights cooler, sure signs that autumn is right around the corner. September is here and The Foliage Network is kicking into high gear to once again provide the very best in foliage information.

Throughout much of the Upper Midwest, the summer of 2004 has been cooler than normal with above average rainfall. These two factors have produced full and healthy canopies and have also brought about an early preview of the coming fall colors. Typically at this early stage of the foliage season, the early color is limited to trees that are either very young or distressed. There are also certain trees, referred to as "show-offs" that simply start changing before others. This year, however, more trees are showing early color. The relatively cool summer could be fooling some of the trees, leading them to think that fall has arrived early. When that happens, the trees stop producing chlorophyll; the pigment that gives leaves their green color during the spring and summer. As a result, the green begins to slowly wash away, allowing the orange, red and yellow pigments to show through. With all of the rainfall, the trees are very healthy and may have produced more of these fall color pigments than normal.

Many people are concerned that the early showing of color is a sign of an early and short-lived foliage season. We at The Foliage Network do not believe that this is necessarily true. In fact, if the weather cooperates, this could be a foliage season to remember! The fall weather will play a major role in how the foliage season plays out, as is true every year. For the best foliage results, look for mild, sunny days followed by cool, crisp (not freezing) nights. That coupled with normal, or below normal rainfall should lead to a colorful and long lasting foliage season. Watch for The Foliage Network reports throughout the fall to keep up to date with the latest foliage conditions.

This information provided by Marek D. Rzonca, The Foliage Network.