A University of New Hampshire scientist says conditions point toward especially vibrant fall colors.
Heidi Asbjornsen from UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture says the vibrant hues of red, gold and orange are best when it's mild and wet in the spring, when there's sufficient rain in the summer and, in particular, when there are lots of sunny days and cool nights late in the season.
She says that thus far the weather is following that pattern. Furthermore, she said trees are healthy because there are no widespread pest or pathogen outbreaks.
Asbjornsen, who works at the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station, acknowledges that the factors behind fall colors are ``complex.'' Going forward, she said scientists are interested in how climate change may impact foliage.
