Leaves are changing...

[nystate]

I guess its getting close to that time of year again! I have been noticing for a few days now that already whole branches of some trees here are no longer green, but red, yellow, and orange instead. It seems like the change took place later last year; it isn't even the middle of August yet! Could this have been caused by the recent cool weather that the Northeast has had? Also, is this a sign of an early Autumn...?

[Aquawind]

I guess its getting close to that time of year again! I have been noticing for a few days now that already whole branches of some trees here are no longer green, but red, yellow, and orange instead. It seems like the change took place later last year; it isn't even the middle of August yet! Could this have been caused by the recent cool weather that the Northeast has had? Also, is this a sign of an early Autumn...?

Not weather related..

Stressed Plants can show colors early..
The key is the length of the days and the sun angle..since mid June the days have been getting shorter and the sun angle is lower..Plants respond to this big time..
Ground Moisture can also effect fall colors..it's not fall yet though..

Paul

[ohiostorm]

Another thing... Locust trees have some sort of a bug on them that has been killing the leaves and making it look like the leaves are already changing around my area. Entire sections of woods are brown or orange in color. Weather doesn't affect leave changes but the angle of the sun already stated in the previous reply. You might be seeing the Locust trees.

[nystate]

Another thing... Locust trees have some sort of a bug on them that has been killing the leaves and making it look like the leaves are already changing around my area. Entire sections of woods are brown or orange in color. Weather doesn't affect leave changes but the angle of the sun already stated in the previous reply. You might be seeing the Locust trees.

I'm pretty sure they are changing. I have been seeing yellow and red recently as well.

[azsnowman]

We've been seeing VERY subtle changes here also in the Aspens and Ponderosa Pines are ALREADY needle casting (dropping their needles)

Dennis

[Aquawind]

Bugs and drought are big time stress.. As usual it's a combination of factors for color change in August..Temperature has little to do with changing colors in most plants..

[Stephanie]

That is rather early nystate - have you had any kind of bug infestation up there? I think that you guys have been getting ample moisture along with the rest of the East Coast.

I've been noticing spider webs - big ones with big spiders! I normally don't see them until the fall when they're stocking up for the winter. Also, I maybe imagining this, but it seems like the squirrels and chipmunks have been getting busy lately.

[NWIASpotter]

Well now don't make fun of me, but maybe this is a sign of not just an early fall, but a strong winter as well. With all of the up and down temps we have been having around here, I'm thinking something has got to be up?? We still haven't fell into a summer patern really, although September is expected to be above average. So theres my humble opinion.

[frankthetank]

August in these parts is referred to as "THE YELLOW MONTH" ...because certain trees leaves change to yellow (hickory?), sunflowers emerge, corn starts to take on that color, etc......something I read in a WI magazine about a week ago....later

[wx247]

Our leaves are changing colors here, too, which usually does not occur until October!!! There are no stressers on them at this time that I am aware of.

[breeze]

Here, as well. Those trees outside our offices
are maintained quite well by the company's
groundskeepers for pests, and, them leaves
DO be a'changin'!

[wx247]

Here, as well. Those trees outside our offices
are maintained quite well by the company's
groundskeepers for pests, and, them leaves
DO be a'changin'!

How early is it for you Annette?

[breeze]

Late September, Garrett. We're about a month
and a half early...I'm beginning to wonder if I
should go ahead and get the winter coat
dry-cleaned, now?

[frankthetank]

I've already had to wear mine! and my stocking cap...
The local weather guy said were currently -7F normal and if this keep up it'll be the coldest August on record...yeah...tank out.

[Johnny]

Most of y'all are further inland or further north. I live in Southeast, Texas and I have noticed a few things to show that fall is right around the corner. It is definately making an appearance early.

My grass and slowed down int he growing process.


A few immature acorns are already falling.

Pine needles are already falling along with leaves from my sweet gums and oaks.

It's just a little sign but this process has started a good bit earliar than last year.


azsnowman: Do you have any hummingbirds up your way right now? If so, are they in there thick?
I only run one feeder and they are nailing it.

[Guest]

well here in northern virginia now, some of the pine trees are losing their needles, some trees are changing colors on the fringe, and the grass is starting to go dormant. Already. Hopefully we will have a very severe winter with record cold and snow! but thats just me...

[breeze]

Nikolai, I'm with you 100% on the cold
and snow wish!

[meso_jr]

Hey all...glad to be back! As soon as there's talk about autumn, I make my return! Anyway, the leaves in the Ohio Valley are quite colorful too. In fact, they are holding their color quite well, yellows and reds and some orange, well before the time. I recently emailed a met. in Cincy about the early autumn conditions, and because I didnt ask him if I could relay his message, I'll leave his name out. But here is what he said:

"Actually, leaves change color mainly because of diminishing sunlight, and not because of cool weather...though it helps when there has been a frost. It's possible that this cool and wet summer has blocked out enough sunlight to fool the trees into reacting as if it were autumn.

I have a feeling that we will have a rather interesting late autumn andwinter, but I will have more on that later."

He is a reliable met. and I am thankful to him for his reply. Offers me inspiration as the leaves change, kids go back to school, and pumpkins, witches, and yes, even Christmas supplies make their way into the stores.. Ahhhh.... I love this time of year!

Jay

[azsnowman]

Most of y'all are further inland or further north. I live in Southeast, Texas and I have noticed a few things to show that fall is right around the corner. It is definately making an appearance early.

My grass and slowed down int he growing process.


A few immature acorns are already falling.

Pine needles are already falling along with leaves from my sweet gums and oaks.

It's just a little sign but this process has started a good bit earliar than last year.


azsnowman: Do you have any hummingbirds up your way right now? If so, are they in there thick?
I only run one feeder and they are nailing it.

Johnny........there is something REALLY odd about this year, last year and the year before, I have OVER 85 hummers at my feeders, I had posted pics of my *pets*, they would *sit* on my finger as they fed. I had 3 feeders last year, filled them 2x per day.....this year, I'm filling ONE feeder 2x per WEEK Some of the Elder Apaches say that this a sign of a HARD winter, God, let's HOPE SO!

Now....I have the same scenario as you Johnny, my grass has stopped growing for all intents and purposes.

As I posted, the pines are needle casting.

Other signs, SKUNKS are moving BIG TIME, looking for a new nesting ground. Bears have left the inner city and have moved DEEP into the woods. Ants have been VERY active and are starting to stay in the anthills, nests. My big aspen tree in the front yard HAS started turning yellow.

Dennis

[Stephanie]

I hope so for your sake Dennis!

I'm also amazed at the snowfall on Pike's Peak already. I really think this is a sign of a busy winter country wide.