September 18, 2002

A good portion of West Virginia and sections of western Virginia are reporting 11% - 30% color change, or low color change. Many of the remaining areas in the Southeast are observing very low color, or 1% - 10% change. Southeastern Virginia, southeastern Maryland, and southern Delaware have yet to see any color change.

Leaf drop, as expected so early in the season, continues to be a non-factor. The limited leaf drop that has been detected, is primarily from a combination of distressed trees showing early color (and subsequent leaf drop) and the significant drought experienced in this area.

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