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Saturday, October 25, 2008 3:00 AM Drought won't affect fall colors this year By Billy Little | Agriculture extension agent The drought that plagued most of North Carolina earlier in the year should not have an adverse effect on fall foliage across the state, according to a North Carolina State University expert. Robert Bardon, associate professor of forestry and extension forestry specialist at N.C. State University, says that North Carolina trees have received enough rain so that there won't be the same dulling impact on color as last fall. "Our current weather conditions -- warmer during the day and cooler at nighttime -- create the most vibrant fall colors," Bardon says. "However, continued rain is needed to ensure plenty of soil moisture, which provides trees with the energy needed to maintain their leaves for a longer period of time." During the spring and summer, leaves manufacture most of the food necessary for a tree's growth. The food-making process occurs in cells that contain the pigment chlorophyll, which gives the leaves their green color. The leaves also contain other pigments that are masked most of the year by the greater amount of chlorophyll. In the fall, partly because of the changes in the period of daylight and changes in temperature, the leaves stop their food-making process. As the chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears and yellow colors surface. Other chemical changes create additional pigments that vary from yellow to red to blue. Some of the trees across the state have already begun the chlorophyll breakdown process. Even some dogwood trees in Raleigh have started to change colors. Here in the Wilson area we are just beginning to see a color change in several of the hardwood species trees. Leaves at higher elevations in North Carolina, such as Mt. Mitchell, are the first to change, usually around the end of September or beginning of October. Then the trees in the lower elevations, moving south and east across the state, begin to change. "Due to the diversity of landscapes and availability of state and local parks here in North Carolina, beautiful fall foliage is accessible to everyone," says Stacy Tomas, assistant professor and tourism extension specialist in parks, recreation and tourism management. "The fall is a great time to get out and explore the countryside, enjoy active recreation and discover other rural tourism opportunities across the state." |
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