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Fungal Disease To Dull Some Colorado Fall Foliage This Year

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Forestry experts say trees in parts of Colorado won't be as vivid this fall as the leaves change due to two fungal leaf diseases.

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.

COLORADO'S WEATHER CENTER: Fall Color Guide

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.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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