It's not quite fall yet, as the calendar flips to September. But you wouldn't know that judging by the color of some of the trees in Minnesota. If you think some of our trees have been turning color too early, or starting to drop leaves, you're right.
Retired University of Minnesota Extension educator Julie Weisenhorn says that's not a good thing.
"Leaves are turning already and that's an indication of the drought and basically stress on the plants," she says.
Weisenhorn adds that when it's this dry, remember to also water your trees.
"Also, if you see a lot of fall like leaves falling right now, the trees are kind of shedding extra leaves so they don't have to support it," Weisenhorn explained on WCCO's Smart Gardens program. "Because of the limited moisture and heat too."
Typically, leaves in the northern third of Minnesota start to reach their peak in late-September. The Twin Cities are closer to mid-October.
As for fall color this year, drought conditions usually means a duller display according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
The DNR says that dull or earthy fall colors can be caused by drought or leaf disease. Mild summer drought can enhance fall colors, but a severe drought usually dulls them considerably, with the lack of water causing foliage to turn straw-colored and die early.
A severe summer drought landscape is filled with the subtler colors of tans, bronzes and auburns.
The weather in September also has a big impact on the shades we'll see. Leaves are more likely to display brilliant colors when the days are sunny and the nights are cool (between 32-45 °F), without big swings in temperature. Light frosts can help, but a hard freeze or early snow could stop the show in its tracks.
