Remarks on fall foliage (Concord, Portsmouth: 2009, moving to, trees)

[Verseau]

Hey everyone,

I'm back in NH for the weekend so you can expect me to post some foliage pics later in the Picture Thread (albeit with a downgraded camera...), but in the meantime I just wanted to generate some discussion about the fall colors this year.

Every year is quite different with respect to the timing and intensity of colors. For example, in 2005 the colors didn't show until very late in the season. In 2006, the opposite occurred and the colors began very early. Neither year was particularly good for color intensity as there were a lot of trees that just dried up and turned brown.

2007 and 2008 were both generally good years for fall colors. 2007 followed normal peak times and gave us some brilliant colors. The 2008 season seemed to start overnight at the very end of September and then followed a normal pattern. There were fewer reds than the year before but overall the colors were very vibrant.

Now that my brief "foliage history lesson" is over, we turn to 2009. My observations and word of mouth have led me to believe that there is only one way to describe the foliage this year: sporadic. First of all, the geographic progression is not as regular as it usually is. For example, right now you'll find some pretty good colors in eastern Massachusetts (which is fairly early in the season for them) and similar colors all the way up in Concord, NH. But there tend to be patches of trees that are still fairly green and patches that have already lost most of their leaves.

While some of the trees are mostly green or dull, that's not to say that the foliage isn't spectacular this year! In fact, there are many very vibrant trees as well. Like I said, it just seems a bit more patchy and sporadic than usual. One thing's clear: the colors do seem to be progressing a bit earlier than normal, so now's the perfect time for that leaf-peeping drive!

[MCNPA]

Maybe a silly question, but I'm heading up to Portsmouth area the first weekend in November. I'm not expecting any great colors, but is it likely the leaves will still be on the trees at that point? Thanks

[buck naked]

Originally Posted by MCNPA

Maybe a silly question, but I'm heading up to Portsmouth area the first weekend in November. I'm not expecting any great colors, but is it likely the leaves will still be on the trees at that point? Thanks

probably not - the color doesn't usually last through rain storms and the trees are usually bare for Halloween.

just drove to New York two weeks ago and VT was in full color across Route 4 - drove to Bar Harbor, ME this weekend and the color is past peak with a lot of bare trees - it's working it's way south currently and is at peak now in the White Mts. and will be past peak next week.

[Verseau]

Yeah, I just drove through the White Mountains today and I can definitely vouch that the area is at peak foliage. The colors are amazing but unfortunately the sun wasn't shining. :\ Here's hoping it peeks through the clouds this weekend...

[moving2NHsoon]

I was supposed to be coming up to Portsmouth this weekend to move some more of my things - we are moving to the area in 1-2 months - but my husband is doing it with a friend instread of with me since the things he is moving are heavy. He is going to see some great color! What do you think the chances are for good color Oct 22-25? That's the next time I'll be in the area. I really don't want to miss the foliage this year!

[Verseau]

The seacoast is usually the last place in the state to see peak foliage, so I'm pretty sure there will still be some lovely color on the 22nd. It's hard to say with the way things are going this year whether it'll be past its prime by then, but generally that would be abnormal for Portsmouth I think.

[moving2NHsoon]

Great, thanks.

[Verseau]

So the sun finally came out this afternoon, right when I was finishing my hike in Holderness. There's peak color in much of the Lakes Region already, although unfortunately it seems that last night's rain and wind took out some of the more vibrant reds and oranges (red leaves are particularly susceptible to falling off in rain storms for some reason). The colors are definitely progressing at a more rapid pace than usual, possibly because of the colder-than-average temperatures.

I suppose it's not a perfect foliage season, but every year I am amazed at how beautiful it is.

[jakiedoodle]

a lot of the trees around my area (Candia) had tons of leaves blown off over the past few days...it's been SUPER windy!! : ( I am planning on taking a ride today though to catch what I can for foliage pics before any more rain or wind gets rid of the rest of the leaves on the trees!!!

[Lincolnian]

My wife and I were driving around Lake Sunapee today. There are some really nice yellows this year but seems to be fewer examples of brilliant red maples that we're used to seeing. Could be just the timing.