Outlook For Leaves This Fall: Subpar

The Upper Cumberland’s regional forester said the leaves across the region will likely be less colorful this fall.

Tennessee Division of Forestry Cumberland District Area Forester Jeff Thompson said said the Upper Cumberland should expect the leaves to change colors before the end of October. But Thompson said the ups and downs of the region’s weather will impact the colors.

“We had that drought before all the hurricane rain I seemed to notice some leaves were dropping then like a lot of yellow poplar were dropping,” Thompson said. “But since we did get the rain now and temperatures are starting to cool off I expect you know, to have an okay not a great but a fair leaf coloration.”

Thompson said fruit trees have looked like a lost cause over the past few weeks. Thompson said the fruit trees may have lost their leaves already but it does not mean the trees are dead.

“I wouldn’t be concerned right now because we got that rain,” Thompson said. “Usually it’s best to wait till the spring and the summer to see if a tree is really stressed.”

Thompson said many trees have already dropped leaves due to being stressed with previous dry conditions.

“Because of the less sunlight and lower temperatures the trees are just starting to become dormant out of the growing seasons,” Thompson said.

Thompson said fruit trees have looked like a lost cause over the past few weeks. Thompson said the fruit trees may have lost their leaves already but it does not mean the trees are dead.

“I wouldn’t be concerned right now because we got that rain,” Thompson said. “Usually it’s best to wait till the spring and the summer to see if a tree is really stressed.”

Thompson said if people have concerns about a tree they can call the Tennessee Forestry Division to get more information. Thompson said in the next couple of weeks people should look to get their leaf blowers and rakes out from the back of the garage to pick up the leaves that will begin to fall later this month.