As the temperatures in Maryland continue to change, so do the leaves. However, due to summer’s recent drought, delays in leaf and color changes are evident across parts of the state.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) closely surveys how the leaves change in different parts of Maryland. Here’s an update from their recent fall foliage report:
Trees continue to produce sugars in their leaves, but cooler temperatures at night prevent the sugars from moving out, according to the U.S. Forest Service. These conditions create optimal leaf coloration changes, but the process has taken longer thanks to a lack of precipitation over the summer.
Additionally, the DNR said the drought may cause fewer orange and red leaves this year, with an abundance of yellow and gold.
“I think we are still on track to peak at the end of this week, but I don’t think it’s going to result in dramatic color this year,” Melissa Nash, Forester in Garrett and Allegany counties said. “We are still seeing more yellow and gold tones, as opposed to vibrant oranges and reds.”
According to the data, all parts of Maryland have experienced some color change. However, only Garrett and Allegany County are nearing peak.
Montgomery County has only seen the leaves start changing just recently. Neighboring Frederick County has reached the midpoint, so Montgomery may soon follow.
Parts of northwestern Maryland have reached the midpoint, while the central and southern parts of the state have only just seen changes begin.
Northern Maryland’s trees still reveal shades of green on the leaves, but because of the warmer temperatures through the beginning of October, trees produced an overabundance of fruit, also known as a mast year.
Shin Ae, Seasonal Park Ranger at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area and Bohemia River State Park, said the abundance of fruit attracts tourists.
