Rob Carrigan, rcarrigan61@msn.com
Local leaf peepers experienced some of the best shows — so far to
date— this past week in Teller County, but it is still possible, the
best is yet to come.
Color changes in Colorado’s Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) start
first in the higher altitudes of subalpine zones, between 9,000 and
11,000 feet, usually in early September, and drop progressively to 8,000
to 9,500 feet in three to four weeks.
Variations in temperature, moisture and light cause the chemical
changes to begin. Diminished light and fall temperatures trigger the
breakdown of chlorophyll.
As green colors fade, yellow, orange and red pigments — carotenoids and xanthophylls — are left and become more obvious.
Cool, dry weather promotes the longest and best color show and wet
weather, especially snow, usually shortens the viewing period.
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