The slow creep of autumn and the gradual arrival of the long, dark nights often has a negative impact on people’s moods. With memories of summer fresh in the mind, albeit far from a classic weather-wise, the prospect of another five months during which there is more darkness than daylight can at times be dispiriting.
Thankfully, to ease us into the depths of autumn and the winter beyond nature provides an annual fiery display that almost makes you impatient for October.
This is the month for peak foliage – when the leaves on deciduous trees steadily transform into a spectrum of beguiling hues, ranging from golden to deep red.
Those among you with O-level biology will know this process is triggered when the amount of chlorophyll in leaves – which is what makes them look green – reduces as the days grow shorter.
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Chlorophyll is a pigment that through photosynthesis helps turn the sun’s rays into energy for the plant to grow. But it degrades at this time of year, revealing other pigments in the leaf called carotenoids and anthocyanin, that were previously unseen due to the stronger green light reflected by the chlorophyll.
When the chlorophyll has disappeared it enables the other pigments to be seen – hence the leaves’ sensational seasonal swansong before they fall.
Some trees and shrubs, such as Japanese Maples (Acer) and Euonymous alatu - the red ‘Burning Bush’ - are treasured for their flame-like, autumnal foliage. Plant them in a sheltered spot in full sun to ensure the best results. Think about the location beforehand and try to ensure the leaves are backlit when viewed from the most likely vantage point.
Then there are native trees often characterised as more mundane that will give an equally eye-catching display, especially when mature and given space to stretch their limbs. Aspen, horse chestnut, field maple and guelder rose are among the best performers.
Even though the number is increasing, it’s fair to say we’re not blessed in Ireland with too many deciduous woodlands. Nonetheless, there are pockets where you can savour the autumnal splendour, including the usual municipal parks and country estates with public access.
However, the National Trust earlier this week warned of a “mixed bag” when it comes to autumn’s foliage firework display across our gardens, parklands and woodlands – though the conservation charity still holds out hope that it won’t be a complete damp squib .
Following a wet spring, with many parts experiencing higher-than-average rainfall and a summer that was cooler than average, it’s expected that trees will hold their leaves for longer. For the strongest displays, we need settled weather with sunny days and cool nights.
A stretch in the autumn displays would be much more welcome than stormy weather, which could see widespread damage to tress when their crowns remain at ‘full sail’.
The National Trust’s Pamela Smith said: “As the predictability of weather patterns continues to alter due to a changing climate, the timings of a traditional autumn with its colourful canopy displays become less certain.
“We’ve seen a real mixed bag of conditions so far this year – particularly the soggy start, but if we see a gradual drop in temperature along with more settled weather, we could expect to see a drawn-out display.”
She said sharp, hard, frosts or more wet weather with storms would “cut any extended show short”.
