It’s dry and getting drier in Virginia’s mountains, leading to what could be a very disappointing season for fall color, according to Virginia Tech tree physiology expert John Seiler.

“These trees are dropping their leaves with very little color development,” said Seiler. “There are lots of trees that are going into what I call drought induced leaf abscission, versus normal fall leaf abscission which goes through first step, nice color development.  I’m usually pretty optimistic, and we’ll still have some good trees to look at, but it’s going to have a negative impact.”

“If we get some rain, which is not really forecast, there will still be some individual trees that will be really pretty.  But the general hillsides, people are going to notice it – it’s going to be off this year,” said Seiler. “It’s probably already too late for some of these trees.”

Seiler points to northern red oaks and sugar maples, already dropping their leaves, in some cases five weeks early. He’s hopeful that species like scarlet oaks and hickories still have the potential for colorful displays, if the early weeks of October bring rainfall.     

Fall color this year will be significantly different from what we experienced in 2018, when Virginia received plenty of summer and early fall rain.

Still Seiler encourages leaf watchers not to cancel their plans – but keep an eye out for better locations.  “Localized thunderstorms have made a real difference in some localities, so it’s best to do your homework.  Hunt for the prime spots and plan your trip accordingly.”

John Seiler 

Professor Seiler specializes in environmental stress effects on woody plant physiology, including water and pollutant stresses. He is quoted regularly in broadcast and print publications due to his expertise in tree physiology. Seiler is the Honorable and Mrs. Shelton H. Short Professor of Forestry at Virginia Tech, and was named an Alumni Distinguished Professor in recognition of his extraordinary academic citizenship and distinguished service within the Virginia Tech community. Seiler teaches in the College of Natural Resources and Environment

To secure a live or recorded video interview with John Seiler from the Virginia Tech campus, contact Bill Foy in the Media Relations office at 540-998-0288.  

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