Welcome to the first of our weekly Northeast Georgia Leaf Watch features for this fall.
With the help of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), 97.5 Glory FM plans to again feature an update every Friday, giving you “leaf lookers” a status on the changing leaves in our corner of the state for the weekend and beyond.
So, how are things looking right now? “At this time things are set to be a good season, the commission says.
Here’s what the GFC is saying as of Oct. 1:
“While leaf color change has only just begun, there is some “blushing ” amongst some the maples, sourwood, and blackgum species while others remain fully green. Stream side species like sycamore, poplar, and river birch are showing mild change to yellow and brown but are not the showstoppers like the higher elevation species.
“Most of the color will be seen in individual trees and not the overall landscape. Don’t overlook the wildflowers as they are in full bloom with goldenrod, blue mistflower, frost aster, swamp sunflower and yellow crownbeard being just a few of the ones in full bloom this week.
“…Current weather patterns and forecast shows typical weather patterns that should keep the color change on a usual cycle. Peak season should fall around the end of October to the first of November, however weather changes could impact peak by a week one direction or another or shorten or lengthen the season.”
Current percentage of leaf change:
Below 3,000’ – 1%
Above 3000’ – 1%
Farther to the north in the Blairsville, Clayton areas, “some early changing tree species such as sourwood, flowering dogwood, red maple, and yellow-poplar are beginning to show some nice early fall colors ranging from dull red to bright red to yellow-brown. Also, native vine species such as Virginia creeper and poison ivy are starting to add some color across the landscape…”