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Use this handy guide for identifying trees by the color and shape of foliage, for explanations of the science of foliage color, and for the best times to observe fall colors through the link to the Tennessee regional color guide. A click on any of the links at right will help you enjoy the colorful fall season.
Fall Leaf Color 2007 ? ? ?
The late spring freeze, a record breaking hot summer, followed by extreme drought, has raised the question of “How will these conditions affect fall leaf color?” Dr. Wayne Clatterbuck, Professor of Forest Management and Silviculture, UT Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, provides some insight into this question in the following article appearing in the Department’s Newsletter:
Fall Leaf Color
We wish we could be more definitive with leaf color predictions because people want to make plans to view the landscape when leaf color is at its peak. However, leaf color really depends on the weather in the next few weeks. Can we confidently predict the weather two or three weeks in advance? Leaf color will depend on cool nights with temperatures in the high 30's and in the 40's and the amount of moisture we have in the next few weeks.
The color of leaves changes first at the higher elevations where it is cooler and progresses to the valleys at the lower elevations. Color generally begins in the mountains during the second week of October and advances to the valleys by the end of October and even lasting into the first two weeks of November. The changing leaf color is triggered by the shorter days of sunlight, and then influenced by temperature and moisture. The questions about leaf color that we have this year include how vibrant will the color be, when will the color occur and how long will the color last? The tentative answers to those questions are based on the prevailing and unusual weather conditions, primarily extended drought and warm temperatures extending into mid-October.
If we continue with warm, dry weather, the leaf color probably will not be as vibrant and it will be short-lived, probably a week or so at any one location. The drought will also probably delay the timing of leaf color by a week or so. However, if we get some moisture and we have cool nights (not below freezing) and sunny days, leaf color will be retained longer and be more pronounced. It could still be a great year for leaf color if the weather cooperates.
For more information, contact Wayne Clatterbuck at 865-974-7346 or e-mail at wclatterbuck@utk.edu.
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