Scorching Summer Could Take A Toll On Fall Foliage
By Lynne Adkins
KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (CBS) - The fall foliage is a big deal here and up the east coast. The question is after this scorching summer, will the colors be vibrant?
The current sunny days and cool nights are ideal for gorgeous fall colors and if these conditions continue, the fall foliage shouldn't fizzle. But the summer was hot and dry putting a lot of stress on the trees.
Tomasz Anisko, curator of plants at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, says some are already losing their leaves.
"Which is probably an indication of the degree of stress they experienced in the summer and also the fact that this year we had very early spring. So all of these plants started to grow early this year than in the past, so they are probably ready to finish their vegetation and growth cycles sooner."
So what do we need for the rich reds and golden yellows of autumn?
"Moderate temperatures, adequate water supply, sunny weather, days where plants are not exposed to stress from high temperatures or drought."
He hopes the fall colors won't disappoint but the stressful conditions until this point, may be too much to overcome.
