I usually see the first hint of autumn color on a tree or two in late July. This year I noticed my first ones last week when I drove up to Canton. Today, however, on the way in to work, I saw several trees already sporting crimson, orange, and yellow leaves. Could the strange weather this summer (hot-cold-hot-cold-hot-cold, and wet-dry-wet-dry) have the trees under enough stress to turn them en masse so early?
I've noticed a few changing leaves around here, also. In fact, one yesterday actually made me do a double take, it had changed so much. We're behind you, of course, when the leaves begin to change in earnest.
ReplyDeleteSince everything came into bloom at least two or three weeks early this year, due to light snowfall over the winter and early heat in the spring, wouldn't it be reasonable to expect that plants would also complete their life cycle a few weeks early? Although changing length of daylight is supposed to be the major trigger, I've heard. And stress is another factor. The Black Tupelos that have been girdled by beavers start turning red in June, while their healthier neighbors wait until at least August.
ReplyDeleteWe don't get such a variety of color in Montana. If you'd like to stop by my blog in September, I will post as many fall photos as possible, because I love the colors.
ReplyDeleteEven here in Central PA, I'm seeing a bit of this; my guess is it's our extended heat and drought.
ReplyDeleteNoooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! It goes by too fast!
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