September 14, 2005

The 2005 foliage season is off to a slower start than that of 2004. Currently, most of the Northeast is showing little to no change. Some areas, although far and few, have moved into the low color range (11% - 30% change). Those areas include portions of western New Hampshire, northern Vermont, upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and New Jersey and coastal Connecticut. Our spotters have noted that much of the early color can be found in birch, dogwood, aspen, sumac and swamp maples. This is not unusual, as these species tend to change first. The other varieties of maples, most commonly associated with fall foliage, have yet to start changing.

Leaf drop is mostly very low throughout the region except for portions of New Jersey, downstate New York and coastal Connecticut where leaf drop is low. These areas were relatively dry, especially in August, causing some leaves to dry and fall prematurely. Please note that this leaf drop is not significant and not widespread.

Looking for a place to stay? Please visit our Places to Stay and Foliage Spotters sections to find great accommodations!

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

Next report: Saturday, September 17, 2005