This week - Sept. 30

Green is still the dominant color on Virginia trees. Some color change can be seen in tree species such as poplars, sweet gum, dogwood and maple. Peak colors are expected in the mountains during mid to late October; the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are expected to peak during late October and early November.

Early Changers

How well can you identify trees? If you don't know what a yellow poplar looks like, now is a good time to learn! Yellow poplars are "early changers" each year, the first ones to remind you that school has started, and that pumpkins will soon be for sale everywhere. So, when you see tall, straight trees along the roadside, notice if their leaves are turning yellow. It probably is a yellow poplar.

You can see more characteristics of the yellow poplar on our website at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/trees/poplar-yellow.htm