Up here in sugar maple land, everyone wants to know when the leaf colors will change and if it will be a good year for colors.  Like always, I give them the solid scientific response to their questions of “When they are ready”… and “Yep, it could be a good year!”  So, I thought I’d review the science as to why leaves change colors and then maybe you can forecast your own “fall color spectrum” chances.

As I was outside soaking up the glorious October warmth and sunshine, I suddenly noticed little flecks of green scattered out in the landscape beds.  Intrigued and forever curious, I wandered over, saw what was growing and I got a twitch in my eye.  I remembered receiving an email from a reader telling me that I should remind everyone about seasonal timing and control of this despicable landscape curse.  I wrote this Spring (April 23, 2021) in an attempt to stem the tide of the prolific green horde of wicked plants taking over the garden world...but of course, they have...