Fall Foliage Report – Oct. 28, 2011

Some trees that are overlooked at other times of the year really begin to shine in mid-autumn. Hickories are scattered throughout Virginia’s forests, from the mountains to the sea. These rugged trees have compound leaves that turn a clear golden yellow. Sweet gum has truly amazing fall color. You may see deep red, orange, yellow, and even purple on the same tree.

Here’s the update on fall colors across the state. In the New River Valley, more than 75% of the trees have peak color. In the Shenandoah Valley, fall color is evident on between 65-75% of the trees. Plenty of color can still to be found in the mountains, especially among the oaks, although recent rain and wind brought down some of the early turners.

The Piedmont has approximately 50% color and is expected to peak in early November. The Coastal Plain is expected to peak in mid-November.

Fall Foliage Report – Oct.21, 2011

No matter where you are in Virginia, maple trees are putting on their autumn finery. Red maple, a highly adaptable species, grows statewide. It shows its characteristic blaze of color in places as varied as eastern swamps, Piedmont hills, urban streets, and mountain ridges. In the mountains, sugar maples add a sunny, vibrant orange to the landscape.

Fall color season is underway across the state. In Southwest Virginia, peak colors can still be seen in many areas. The Mount Rogers area is at or just past peak. Peak colors are expected within the next week at lower elevations. In the New River Valley, colors are near peak in the higher elevations, and approaching peak in the lower elevations. In the Allegheny Mountains, colors are past peak. In the Shenandoah Valley, approximately 50% of the trees have color and are at or approaching peak.

Elsewhere in the state, the Piedmont has approximately 25% color. The Coastal Plain is expected to peak in mid-November.

Fall fire season is in effect from October 15th to November 30th, so remember to be careful with outdoor fire. When burning leaves, the Virginia Department of Forestry recommends burning small piles, have water on hand and a cell phone nearby to dial 911 if it gets out of control.

Fall Foliage Report – Oct.14, 2011

When the red maples flash their bright colors, you know that fall is really here. The red colors in leaves are produced when the nights grow longer and temperatures grow cooler. Trees begin to shut off the vessels that carry fluids in and out of the leaves, and sugars become trapped in the leaves. The trapped sugars form red pigments called anthocyanins. Bright sunny days and cool clear nights produce the best autumn reds. Some species of trees produce more of these pigments than others.

Fall colors are revealing themselves across the state. In Southwest Virginia, colors continue to transition away from green. In the higher elevations near Abingdon, colors are at peak.  In the New River Valley, approximately one-quarter to one-third of the trees have color. In the Allegheny Mountains, significant color change can be seen in Highland County. In the Shenandoah Valley, the fall color change is underway. Fall colors continue unfolding in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. At this time, peak colors are expected in the mountains during late October and early November; the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are expected to peak during mid-to-late November.

Fall Fire Season begins October 15th. When burning leaves, the Virginia Department of Forestry recommends burning small piles, have water on hand and a cell phone nearby to dial 911 if it gets out of control.

Fall Foliage Report – Oct. 7, 2011

Fall is the time for bright leaves, but colorful berries also add to the show. These are best viewed up close, on foot, rather than from a car. Dogwoods, hollies, and sumacs have brilliant red berries.  Wild grapes turn black to bluish-black.  Persimmon fruits ripen to a dull orange, while pawpaws turn the dull, bruised yellow of a ripe banana.  Acorns, walnuts, hickory and beechnuts are also present in fall. Color changes continue throughout the state. In southwest Virginia, very little color change at this time. Color change can be seen in tree species such as poplars, sweet gum, dogwood and maple. At this time, 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. To learn about scenic driving tours or how you can help the Virginia Department of Forestry collect acorns to grow in its nurseries, visit our website at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/.