Insider Blog: Drought could affect fall foliage

Recent years have seen somewhat duller autumn colors, and this trend may return again this fall. Drought has cropped up across Mid-Missouri periodically in past summers, which can have an impact on tree health and eventual leaf changes. This year has seen an exceptional round of drought, with effects still yet to be seen into fall.

The impacts of drought on fall foliage are fairly well known, as weather is one of the biggest factors in the change in leaves during the transitory season. Mild and warm days and cool, crisp nights are the best conditions for vibrant colors, along with near-average rainfall. Unfortunately, this hasn't been the case for our area in recent months, with much of the local vegetation strained by heat and dry conditions.

The most change in leaves occurs during October in Missouri, with colors peaking into early November. Drought conditions are known to speed up the transition time and may bring fall colors to isolated areas ahead of schedule.