Fungal Disease Means Dull Fall Foliage In N. Colorado This Year

(Courtesy Flickr user Brendan Bombaci) 

The Colorado State Forest Service says some aspen and cottonwood trees in northern Colorado and along the Front Range are infected with illnesses that cause dark splotches and spotting on their leaves, creating less vibrant colors and early leaf loss.

Officials say the unusually wet spring helped spread the common leaf fungi marssonina and septoria. In order to help stop the spread of disease homeowners are encouraged to rake up and dispose of infected leaves and twigs.

Officials say the trees may look bad, but there should be no permanent damage and they will regrow healthy leaves next year.