One of the greatest joys of fall is watching foliage turn with the season, and this year meteorologists predict we will see particularly vibrant, widespread fall foliage across the US.
It's good news for lovers of trees for fall color, as AccuWeather is forecasting bright foliage shows across 20 different US states during the incoming fall season.
There's a science behind the expected vibrant landscapes this fall, too. Experts from AccuWeather say the summer rainfall pattern played a large role in creating the displays we'll see this fall. We delve deeper into why rainfall levels impact fall leaf color, and the best places to see these beautiful displays.
Moderate rainfall and cool air - the perfect recipe for fall color
Just as the Farmers' Almanac summer forecast predicted, parts of the US experienced above-average rainfall over the last few months.
'Good rainfall keeps trees healthy and helps leaves stick around longer,' explains Evan Torchio, tree expert and CEO of Tree Mender. This means there will be less need to get rid of fallen leaves in early fall.
As a result, we're able to witness the leaves change color before they fall off. The reason leaves change color in the first place is due to a number of factors, including a breakdown of chlorophyll - the chemical that gives leaves their green color.
'But it's not the only contributing factor,' notes Tammy Sons, horticulturist and CEO of TN Nurseries. 'Other environmental factors, such as light and soil chemistry, also play a significant role. In fact, an excessive amount of rain and wind can cause trees to lose a lot of their fall foliage as well,' she explains.
'If there's a lot of rain in the late summer and early fall, you can get mold develop on some of the trees and also invite lots of insects,' warns AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok.
The cooler summer temperatures are also a contributing factor to the colorful foliage expected this fall. 'Cool temperatures play a large role, and especially cool nights can promote the chemical production of anthocyanins,' explains Tammy. This is the chemical responsible for red and blue pigments in plants, as well as purple plants. 'The amount of sunlight a tree gets, as well as the pH of the soil, also promotes anthocyanins,' Tammy adds.
Evan Torchio is a plant expert and the CEO and Founder of Tree Menders. He earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry and is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture. Evan provides advice on indoor and outdoor plants.
Tammy Sons is a horticulture plant expert, garden writer, and educator. Tammy is the CEO and founder of TN Nursery, a thriving online plant nursery based in Altamont, Tennessee. She is also a prolific writer, sharing her knowledge through articles on various gardening topics, including plant care, sustainable landscaping, and the latest trends in horticulture.
Where to see bright fall foliage in the US this year
AccuWeather is forecasting the brightest fall foliage to be visible across 20 states: New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
'The better spots for colorful fall foliage are forecast to be in parts of upstate New York, western New York and central and northern Pennsylvania. Those areas have had a little bit less rainfall,' says Paul. 'Through September, we may be missing out on the heaviest rainfall. Cooler nights will bring out some of those brighter colors in those areas,' he explains.
Areas in the Great Lakes, Midwest and Mississippi Valley will also shine red and orange for fall. 'They've had decent amounts of precipitation this summer. Going into the early fall season, it looks drier and the nights look cooler, especially in the north,' says Paul.
AccuWeather suggest the best places to go to see the best plants for fall color are in the upper Midwest, including Minneapolis, Green Bay and outside Chicago. This can be seen on the fall color maps included in the AccuWeather's fall foliage forecast 2024.
'Another good place to see good foliage is in parts of the interior Northeast. If you're traveling from the Poconos all the way to Erie, Pennsylvania, those areas could see some pretty good foliage,' Paul adds.
Paul is a meteorologist and Lead Long-Range Expert at AccuWeather. He has forecasting experience across the world and has provided weather information for a large number of clients, including television programmes and newspapers.
FAQs
When is the best time to see fall foliage?
It all depends on where you're planning to go and see fall foliage. Factors like rainfall, wind and temperature will impact how bright the fall foliage is and when it will appear, as well as how long it sticks around for. Generally speaking, however, AccuWeather suggests the best time to see fall foliage is when the leaves change at the end of September through October. It can be wise to get ahead and book a spot at popular viewing locations.
What are the best trees for fall color?
There are many trees that will offer gorgeous red, orange and yellow colors for fall. Some of the best include acers, pepperidge tree, flowering dogwood and many more. Plenty of the best trees for fall color can be planted in backyards of any size, so you can put on your own display of bright fall color.
The regions of the Appalachians, New England and the Rockies can expect usual dull yellow and brown fall foliage this year, thanks to heavier rainfall and tropical moisture that may cause mold development. Nevertheless, wherever you'll be in the US this fall, you might find it useful to read up on the Farmers' Almanac fall weather predictions and get ahead of your fall gardening checklist accordingly.
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