September 28, 2002

The first reports of high color (61 to 80 percent) have arrived from northern Minnesota. Also, a good portion of the Midwest has transitioned to low color (11 to 30 percent) change. Michigan, however, is mostly experiencing very low color change. In general, the Midwest is running about a week to a week-and-a-half behind the "normal" color change. We believe the unseasonably mild temperatures experienced the past few weeks has played a part in this delay. Next week, the temperatures should become more seasonable, with nighttime temperatures dipping into the 40's to lower 50's. This should promote an increase in color change.

Leaf drop continues to be low to very low throughout the region.

This information provided by Marek D. Rzonca, The Foliage Network.