Display of autumn colours is already starting in Lapland

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The annual natural fireworks display of autumn colours, or ruska, is already being enjoyed in Lapland. The yellow birch leaves on view in Southern Finland are not yet a sign of ruska, as the colour is caused by fungal diseases common across the whole country.
      According to the Finnish Forest Research Institute (METLA), the entire country has had good conditions for a dramatic display of autumn foliage this year, as in a warm summer lots of sugars are produced in the leaves of trees.
     
However, the colours appear to remain weak in the north, as in response to drought conditions trees are dropping their leaves prematurely. Rowans and silver birches are predicted to display good autumn colours.
      In Lapland, the autumn outburst of reds and yellows usually reaches a climax around September 10th, but in the current year, the display of fall colours varies considerably from place to place.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Dramatic autumn colours expected in Finnish Lapland (27.8.2004)

Links:
  Finnish Forest Research Institute (METLA)
  About.com: A gallery of pictures of fall foliage in Scandinavia

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