Full fall foiliage? That depends...
Submitted by Doug Thompson on September 26, 2008 - 5:38am.
The experts who know about such things say a full fall foliage this year could be iffy, given the three-year-long droughout and the cooler weather lately that has fooled some trees into dropping their leaves ahead of schedule.
Still, there's hope for a lot of color:
Chris Thomsen of the Department of Forestry says there is some evidence of stress on the trees, but the nearly four inches from Faye slowed that down. However, it's still unclear whether this year's fall foliage will make a full comeback.
"The moisture may be the critical thing this year, and I'd say right now we're kinda in limbo as whether it's going to affect the fall foliage colors severely or not," says Thomsen.
Some of the trees in the woods on our properties began dropping leaves three weeks ago.
Guess we'll have to wait and see.
(Photo from last year on the Blue Ridge Parkway)
Fall Colors
I have empathy for the foresters that are asked to predict colors in the future. Nature as expressed by trees is a complex reality that may just be most beautiful to be enjoyed as it is - which most of do anyway.
Possibly the most useful thing about such guessing to predict fall colors is that the focus will be on nature for a brief period of colorful splendor. For those of us fortunate enough to work in the forest daily it is always beautiful, particularly when the goal is to restore and keep the forest a natural forest - yet mother nature changes dresses from season to season. That is a fashion show worth watching and waiting for. What great art nature provides for our viewing. I suspect it is also beautiful to many other rural residents on a daily basis.
I would comment that upon glancing at the photo provided by Doug that a portion of the view appears to be a monoculture planting of eastern white pine. A natural diverse forest is much prettier, healthier and more productive in providing ecological services than a planting of one species. I am not looking to start a debate about forestry practices here, just commenting that the mixed species forest are much prettier... to me.
Jason Rutledge
Forester and Biological Woodsman
I am reminded daily of the
I am reminded daily of the beauty of the forrest we live in as I drive through Floyd county going to work and back. It can remain beautiful if more people follow the logging practices followed by Jason Rutledge and people like him. We truly have something worth taking care of.
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