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Environment

Kentucky Naturalist Predicts More Radiant Leaf Colors This Fall

Look for a more colorful fall in Kentucky’s trees in the coming weeks compared to the landscape in 2019.

State Naturalist Robert Myers says extreme dry conditions put a damper on the annual changing of the leaf. “But this year with the pretty much statewide rainfall that we’ve got, it gives them a better chance to retain those leaves, and hopefully if we get some good cool evenings, that will get that change kicked in and it’s also your daylight hours, which is a constant year after year, that stimulates that color change in your leaf,” said Myers.

While there is a bit of yellow in leaves being seen now, Myers said the peak colors should be seen in the latter half of October.  ?

Although not bringing much additional color, the Eastern Hemlock and Ash trees remain under attack by the Hemlock Wooly Aldelgid and Emerald Ash Borer.  Myers noted only so many of the millions of trees affected can be treated.  “We have worked through the forestry department, Kentucky Department of Parks and have treated quite a few of Eastern Hemlock at parks such as Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves, Natural Bridge.  We’re trying to save a lot of our massive 300 plus year old hemlock trees from these beetles,” explained Myers.

Myers added the fall colors are more often seen in maple, oak, and hickory trees. 

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