Welcome to the first of our weekly Northeast Georgia Leaf Watch features for this fall.
With the help of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), Glory 97.5 plans to 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.
First of all, the GFC is predicting a strong season this year. That’s because of adequate rainfall during the spring and summer as well as the mostly dry September that we had. So, how are things looking right now?
Here’s what the GFC is saying as of Oct. 2:
“Only early changers are showing color – species like black gum, dogwood, and sourwoods. There is some “blushing” amongst some of the maples, while others remain fully green. Stream side species like sycamore, poplar, and river birch are showing 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, and yellow crownbeard among those showing off this week.
PERCENTAGE OF LEAF CHANGE:
Above 3,000’ – 5%
Below 3,000’ – 1%
At this time, things are set to be a good season. Current weather patterns and forecast shows typical weather patterns that should keep the color change on a typical pattern. Peak season should fall around the end of October to the first of November; weather can impact peak one direction or another and shorten or lengthen the season.
OUTINGS:
There are some good views of sourwood, maple, and blackgum along the roadside of the Richard B. Russell Scenic Parkway this week. Overlooks are not showing color but produce great views of our forest along the parkway, along with places like Sky Valley and Black Rock Mountain State Park.