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

Fall Foliage Report - Nov. 18, 2009

The fall color season is drawing to a close in Virginia. Many areas of the Piedmont, especially the southern Piedmont, still have color, though this area is past peak. The Coastal Plain has significant color and areas will be peaking between now and Thanksgiving. This the last Fall Foliage Report for the 2009 season. Thanks for supporting our blog and scenic driving tours. These reports will resume in late September, 2010.

Fall Foliage Report - Nov. 12, 2009

The season is winding down! Fall colors on oak trees are providing patches of color throughout the state. In Southwest Virginia, the Roanoke Valley, and the Shenandoah Valley, colors are past peak. In the lower Piedmont, colors are at or just past peak. In the Coastal Plain of Virginia, beautiful color is still evident on the Peninsula. On the Eastern Shore, approximately two-thirds of the trees have color.

Fall Foliage Report - Nov. 4, 2009

This week, significant color changes are occurring in the Piedmont with many areas approaching peak color. In the Coastal Plain of Virginia, patchy colors can be found on the Peninsula.

Fall Foliage Report - Oct. 28, 2009

Fall colors are in full view across most of the state. In the New River Valley, more than 75% of the trees have changed and have peak color. In the Shenandoah Valley, between 65-75% of the trees have color. 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 fire season is in effect from October 15th to November 30th, so remember to be careful with outdoor fire.

Fall Color Scenic Drive - NEW!!!!

Heading out to see some fall color this weekend? Don't forget Greene County. Jack Kauffman, our forester for Madison and Greene counties, sent directions for a scenic drive between Stanardsville and Sperryville. Find it at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fall/index.htm If you give it a spin, "comment" about it here.