Climate change and hotter than average summers could severely impact on Canberra's spectacular autumn leaf displays, according to a tree expert.
Australian National University senior environmental lecturer Dr Matthew Brookhouse said many trees in Canberra suffered severe heat stress over summer, which could cause leaves to brown and not the traditional vivid red and yellow during the colder months.
 

ANU lecturer of environmental measurement Matthew Brookhouse stands beside a flowering pear tree which is starting to change for autumn. CREDIT:DION GEORGOPOULOS

"The preceding season contributes to how stressed trees can become. I've seen many trees with browned-off leaves that are a consequence of it experiencing heat over summer," Dr Brookhouse said.
"The brown colouring diminishes the brightness of autumn colours."
Read the full article in the Canberra Times by Andrew Brown.