Extended summer-like temps delay annual fall foliage display
Oct. 21, 2019
By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts
- Extended summer heat delayed color change
- Dry weather has meant browning in some areas
(250 words)
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LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas’ summer-like start to autumn has slowed appearance of the state’s annual foliage show, said Kyle Cunningham, extension forester with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“Fall color will likely be a little delayed this year compared to other years because of the post-summer warmth we’ve experienced,” he said.
The late summer and early fall dry spell also caused some trees to turn brown, especially on ridge tops in the Ouachita Mountains and other areas in Arkansas. Those trees, Cunningham said, probably won’t show any fall color at all.
There is good news, though. “The showers over the last few weeks may help reduce the number of trees browning up,” he said, adding that any trees that have remained green through the dry spell “may actually be more vibrant than usual once the color change begins.”
To learn about forestry in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit http://www.uaex.uada.edu/counties, or visit Arkansas 4-H online at http://uaex.uada.edu/4h-youth/. Follow the Cooperative Extension Service on Twitter at @uaex_edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Tracy Courage
Dir. of Communications
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
tcourage@uada.edu
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