Fall Color Report

“Yellow ironweed flowers and late summer goldenrods are hard to miss as summer’s grand finale winds down and the butterflies get their final sips of sugary nectar. Acorns and hickory nuts are falling, much to the delight of squirrels and turkeys getting ready for winter. Dogwoods, the most notable among the trees right now, have just started to develop light shades of red, as have the Virginia creeper vines. The colors of the dogwoods will become deeper and more rich as the season progresses. With their stippling of yellows, oranges, and reds, a few maple trees in the garden and forest have begun their annual transition from summer’s verdant green. Watch for the first tinges of red soon to be seen on our sourwood trees and black gums. Trees at our higher elevations will be turning very soon. Cooler fall-like temperatures in the forecast herald an acceleration of autumn color in the days ahead.”

—Bill Hascher, Arborist Manager