The time of year has arrived when higher elevations, as well as communities near the U.S.-Canada border, are beginning to notice the first changes in leaves in what is yet another sign that meteorological fall is underway.

According to ground observations and satellite data, signs of fall foliage have already been reported in the higher elevations of Colorado, North Carolina and New York , with more communities being added to the list each day.

Some leaf peepers may notice changing colors outside of the high country, but experts point to climate stress and diseases that may be responsible for premature browning and leaf droppage.

The science behind changing leaves is rooted in a plant’s chlorophyll and photosynthesis process.

During spring and summer, chlorophyll allows trees to conver

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