Kansas Forest Service breaks down variety of fall foliage

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - One of the more impressive parts of autumn is the intense coloring of trees.

Fall foliage makes the views of Northeast Kansas look even more appealing. We see the reds, oranges, and yellows in the leaves, but what factors affect their change?

According to the U.S. Forest Service, three factors influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, the length of the night, and weather.

Kansas Forest Service spokesman Ryan Armbrust told 27 News that recent weather is helping make this year exceptional for fall colors.

"We had a pretty good spring rain, so we've got a good growing season on our trees," Armbrust told us. "We had some nice sunny, warm days leading up into fall and then we've had some cool nights. So, really a lot of things have lined up where we've got some beauty out here this year and fall in Kansas."

He said some of the best spots to catch a glimpse are right here in NE, Kansas.

"That's where some of our most amazing native forests are," Armbrust said. "Where you see some of the species, the hickory with their golden yellows and the white oaks with their just incredible burgundy colors and some maples with the reds."

Armbrust also said high wind events like we are seeing now, are causing the leaves to drop off the trees, so enjoy the colors while you can.

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