Foliage Could Peak This Week

Slow Start To Leaf-Peeping Season Caused By Warm September

Columbus Day weekend once marked peak foliage time in Connecticut. This year, the three-day weekend came and went with plenty of green leaves on the trees. So did the following weekend.

This past weekend showed signs of color — at least in patches across the state. But after the recent cold nights and cool days, this week into the weekend is expected to finally showcase some peak foliage in the state, according to state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection head forester Chris Martin.

Why so late this autumn?

In a word: Humidity.

“It tells things to keep growing,” Martin said.

Back in August, everyone was predicting a banner year for foliage in New England. There had been plenty of rain. The trees had a grand growing season. There was little drought to cause the leaves to drop early.

And then another warm September — one of the warmest on record — hit. And early October continued the trend.

When night temperatures fall into the 30s and low 40s, it becomes difficult for the sugars being produced by the leaves’ chlorophyll process to move down the branches and trunks of trees. The foodmaking process then shuts down, the chlorophyll dissipates and the green fades, allowing other colors to emerge.

“The change in daylight usually triggers things,” Martin said. “But there are also other factors influencing things — like the heat and humidity. Those won out. But the past few days have been ideal with cool days and cold nights. We aren’t alone in this delay. The biggest limiting factor has been the lack of cold.”

Except for Maine and northern Vermont and New Hampshire, this year’s foliage has been more known for its tepid color so far across southern New England.

Where are the best views?

Eric Hammerling, executive director of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, oversees more than 825 miles of “Blue-Blazed Trails” across the state. Hammerling said he recommends a trip to Auer Farm in Bloomfield or the Heublein Tower in Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury for the foliage.

Hammerling said he has been busy trying to answer questions this autumn. Just not the kinds of questions he wants to answer.

“Everyone is asking, ‘Why isn’t it as beautiful as last year? Why aren’t the colors as dramatic?’ There are so many green leaves out there. We always seem to peak at the same time of year in the past and its magical. Everyone times it out for the holiday and it just didn’t happen … It’s still the best time of year to get out.”

Where are the best leaf-peeping spots this week?

Martin recommends s outhern Litchfield, Tolland and Windham counties to “see the colors pop” this week. He recommends taking a day this week or Saturday. Forecasters are predicting a possible coastal storm on Sunday with wind and rain — perhaps ending a foliage season that wasn’t.

Visit depdata.ct.gov/forestry/foliage/ foliagemap.htm to sefae the areas of peak foliage and some recommended places to drive and visit.