Fall Foliage Report - Nov. 19, 2012

The fall color season is drawing to a close in Virginia. Many areas of the Coastal Plain still have color, though this area is past peak. The Eastern Shore has significant color and areas will be peaking during the week.

Fall Foliage Report - Nov. 12, 2012

The 2012 season is winding down. In the Coastal Plain of Virginia, patchy color can be found among muted color areas but overall the color is past peak. On the Eastern Shore, roughly fifty-percent of the trees have color.

Fall Foliage Report - Nov. 7, 2012

Most oaks hold their green color well into fall, then turn some shade of red, although the colors are not as bright as those of maples. Many areas of the Piedmont have passed peak and their transition should be complete by mid-November, with some species of oaks lagging a little bit. East of Richmond in the Coastal Plain of Virginia, color change is still evident, and fall color can be found on the Peninsula.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 31, 2012

The rain and wind brought down some of the early turners but overall this weekend still might be good for viewing. In the New River Valley, virtually all of the trees have color. In the Shenandoah Valley, fall color is evident on more than 75% of the trees. Many areas of the Piedmont are at peak or have passed peak and their transition should be complete in early November. The Coastal Plain is expected to peak in mid-November.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 24, 2012

Fall color season is underway across the state. In Southwest Virginia, peak colors can still be seen in many areas. 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 75% of the trees have color and are at or approaching peak. Elsewhere in the state, the Piedmont has approximately 75% 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. 17, 2012

The bright sunny days and cool, crisp nights we're experiencing now are ideal conditions for trees to bring out their fall colors. These 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 began 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. 10, 2012

Color changes continue throughout the state. In southwest Virginia, noticeable color change is underway. 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. This is National Fire Prevention Week. Be sure to plan an escape route for you and all your family members in the event of a fire, and practice this plan.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 3

For the week of October 1, a gradual change in foliage conditions can be seen in the western part of the state, generally at higher elevations, with a lower percentage of fall color at the lower elevations. Patchy color changes exist among 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 between late October and mid-November. To learn about scenic driving tours, visit our website at www.dof.virginia.gov.