September 25, 2002

Most of the region is reporting some degree of color change. A majority of that color change is very low (1%-10%). However, the higher elevations of eastern West Virginia, western Virginia, and the western panhandle of Maryland are reporting low color (11%-30%). The Hillsboro, West Virginia area in eastern West Virginia is reporting moderate color (31%-60%) which is quite early when compared to other years. As a whole, the region is ahead of "normal" at this early stage of the foliage season. This is most likely attributed to the recent drought which has heavily affected the region.

Leaf drop continues to be low to very low. Those leaves which have fallen have either been leaves which changed early, or from distressed trees which are dropping brown, dried out leaves. For the most part, however, tree canopies remain healthy, waiting to wow leaf-peepers!

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