Why you might see fall colors pop up early in Southern Colorado this year

TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) - Some Southern Coloradans have noticed a few rogue Aspens changing color over the last week or so. Why? Let's break it down.

Fall colors tend to pop early when trees get stressed out, leading to dormancy. A hot and dry summer can cause that stress - and that's exactly what we saw this summer!

Remember how hot it was at the start of summer? We saw numerous well-above-average days coupled with persistent drought conditions in the High Country.

When trees get stressed and go into dormancy, they shut down and change color prematurely as a defensive response. This can cause a shorter and duller leaf peeping season, as well.

So, calling all leaf-peepers: LISTEN UP!

You'll need to take advantage of the time you do get with those gorgeous, bright colors this fall.

We spoke with local nature photographer, David Johnson, who moved to Florissant from Texas decades ago.

“We had our fill of city life when we lived in Dallas," he told KRDO.

These days, David enjoys a quieter life, Aspen hunting in the mountains. He can't get enough of the incredible views Colorado has to offer.

"In Colorado, I’m like a pig in slop," he joked.

David told us fall is his favorite season to photograph, and he even gave us some tips!

“You lose a lot with a camera phone, so get a real camera, don’t be afraid of early morning light, or sweet light which is in the evening toward sunset," David explained.

He said, the harder you work, the bigger the reward - like anything in life.

We hope you're taking notes!

A lengthy cold front at the end of summer, like the one we’re having, can also trick the trees into thinking it’s fall, so we’re predicting colors to peak five to ten days earlier than last year – meaning we could see some Northern Colorado areas peak in just two weeks!

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