Bright sun and strong wind affects foliage

[pwt54]

Bright sunlight and strong winds can affect foliage viewing. Strong sunlight like we will have today will overwhelm the colors and the foliage will look dull at certain viewing angles. The thing to do is find a tree with good color that you can walk around. Observe the change in brightness at different angles and then plan your drives accordingly. For example if you see that the leaves are brightest at a 45 degree angle facing the sun, then drive into the sun and looking out the side windows should give bright foliage. That’s why I like driving the back roads. Most are tree lined or have trees very close to the road. The trees on one side of the road may be dull, but the other side has bright trees. The trees in light shade will also be bright. Strong winds will turn the leaves upside down. You will be seeing the bottom of the leaves which is duller that the top. Generally speaking, if you drive into the wind you will see more of the bright tops of the leaves. Once again the back roads are the place to be. The hills and trees will block the wind and the trees close to you will be bright. Surprisingly, the best kind of day for seeing bright colors is a lightly cloudy day with light winds. Early morning just at sunrise and also at sunset can be dramatic because the sun is not as intense and is filtered the mist.