Pat Shingleton Sept. 23, 2012

Autumn begins the changing of the leaves and New England seems to have the best. Leaf pigments, length of night and weather affect the color. Each leaf contains a certain amount of anthocyanins that act like a sunscreen and once the chlorophyll begins to break down, photosynthesis slows. This process retards the absorption of light and excess light damages the leaves. Researchers determined that nutrient-poor leaves, low in nitrogen, causes the intense red color of sugar maple leaves. The peak foliage dates for Maine are Oct. 1-21, with New Hampshire offering displays from Sept. 28 through Oct. 21. Vermont’s best viewing times are Oct. 5-28. The Farmer’s Almanac has designated the peak times in Louisiana from Nov. 2-11.
Fastcast: Less humid