Drought conditions bring early fall color
Colors may be a bit duller this year
Blistering summer heat that contributed to drought conditions in the Lower Hudson Valley, followed by torrential rain, isn't the ideal formula for a brilliant fall. But the combination is pushing the calendar a bit for the autumn leaf-peeping season, according to the first 2015 Fall Color Report for New York State issued Wednesday afternoon.
The first significant signs of spectacular fall colors have already begun to appear in the Catskills, Adirondacks and Thousand Islands-Seaway regions, along with the northern portion of the Capital-Saratoga region, according to observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism's I LOVE NEW YORK program.
Locally, color has also begun to appear in places — along with the noisy early arrival of leaf blowers — probably because of the lack of rainfall in August and early September that is causing some trees to begin shutting down for the year.
"I would say we're in a mini-drought," said Ted Kozlowski, the Westchester County forester based at Lasdon Park and Arboretum in Somers. The lack of rain has caused some trees to become stressed, and "the trees that are most stressed are going to lose their leaves a little sooner.
"We're already seeing it, along the Taconic and areas with rocky outcroppings and shallow soil," he said. "I'm seeing it now in Putnam and at Lasdon in some spots."
This week's deluge will help, Kozlowski said, noting that there is still plenty of time to get the rainfall needed to ensure a good fall foliage season. Thursday's downpours may be a good start.
"If we get a normal rainfall and normal temperature conditions, that would be the best," Kozlowski said.
Leaf peeping is big business
And what does the early arrival of fall color mean for the peak October foliage season? After all, leaf peeping is serious business up and down the Hudson Valley, with hordes of tourists heading into the region to see gorgeous shades of crimson, orange and canary yellow — and spend millions of dollars in restaurants, hotels and farm stands.
In Westchester, visitor spending hit a record $1.74 billion in 2014 and is on target to top that this year, Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced last month. The county's tourism industry, which ranks third in the state behind New York City and Long Island, represents 52 percent of all visitor spending in the Hudson Valley region.
Not to worry, Kozlowski said.
"If we have a very dry fall, it might be a little duller, but we'll still see color," he said. "It's going to happen — that's nature. It would be better if we had a normal rainfall."
But it's really all about the calendar and the amount of daylight we get in fall, Kozlowski explained. The best fall color happens when we have very cool nights and bright sunny days. Longer nights and shorter days trigger the leaves to stop producing chlorophyll. That's what causes them to turn pretty colors and then drop.
When a tree doesn't get enough water or is otherwise stressed, it may quit producing chlorophyll earlier, allowing colors to show and causing some leaves to wilt and fall off.
What homeowners can do
In light of the lack of rainfall in recent weeks — even given Thursday's storms — "The best thing that homeowners can do for their trees is to irrigate," Kozlowski said. "The trees in the forest should be fine; they're used to environmental stress."
He also wants people to know that the fruits they grow and buy, especially apples, may be a little smaller this year because of the dry weather.
What trees turn what colors
As explained by the U.S. Forest Service, certain species of trees produce certain colors. The leaves of some trees, such as elms, simply become brown.
Oaks will generally turn red, brown, or russet; and hickories become golden bronze. Aspens and yellow poplars turn a rich golden color.
Maple trees differ by species. Sugar maples turn a lovely orange-red, and red maples are those brilliant scarlet beacons that stand out in any forest.
Fall foliage day trips in the Hudson Valley
Where to see fall foliage
Once we get into the peak foliage season in October, Kozlowski recommends taking a hike in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River or Bear Mountain State Park in Rockland, or a drive on the Taconic State Parkway "from southern Westchester all the way up to Albany, maybe stopping in Hudson or Cold Spring."
To learn more
For more information, visit fallgetaways.iloveny.com or nyfallfoliage.com.
