This fall, there will still be brilliant yellows, oranges and reds on trees across south-central Indiana, but because it's been drier, trees will likely drop their leaves more quickly, according to area experts.
Patrick Haulter, interpretive naturalist at Brown County State Park, said trees in Indiana's state park best known for its scenic views of wooded hills and valleys have already begun changing. "Right now, we're seeing the walnuts change on the north side," he said. "It's super colorful."
But the trees visible at the state park's drive-by vistas are not showing much fall color yet, Haulter said. He expects this coming Saturday will be the peak of the autumn color show, give or take a day or two, with the eye-catching display on most trees lasting until the following weekend. "Anytime during that time, you're going to see colors," he said.
The drier conditions may affect how long trees will hold their leaves, but not really when the fall colors appear, Haulter said. The color change happens when the trees stop producing chlorophyll, which is what gives leaves their green color during spring and summer seasons. In the fall, after the trees stop producing chlorophyll, the true color of the leaves can be seen, he explained.
Although some trees have started to drop their leaves early as a way to conserve moisture, Haulter expects visitors to Brown County State Park will still enjoy the fall colors because most trees have retained a majority of their leaves.