| 114th Year, 7th Issue | Thursday, September 26, 2002 | Sparta, North Carolina |
Experts agree that recent dry conditions across the state will affect this year's fall color, but not in an adverse way. Autumn officially began on Monday.
Instead, dry weather may lead to even more beautiful fall color, with some areas experiencing exceptional brilliance.
Weather conditions in the spring and summer months are what experts use to predict the fall color season. Just like the weather, fall color predictions are not an exact science.
But experts like Dr. Dan Pittillo, a specialist in Appalachian plant ecology, says the drought can help create beautiful fall color. "It has been my observation that when droughts occur in the early part of the growing season, brilliant fall foliage color follows in late September to mid-October," he said.
A more severe drought or late drought conditions, however, can contribute to leaves being shed early before they can truly be appreciated. The final outcome of the recent rains may prove beneficial in the long run for leaf viewers this year, but drought conditions are far from over.
Locally, Cooperative Extension Agent David Isner said the conditions here could prove beneficial for bright colors.
"Sometimes drought conditions can lead to even brighter fall displays," he said.
The leaves are already beginning to change in some areas. However, there has been some indication of leaves letting go early on some types of trees.
"Some leaves have been falling since the May freeze and some have continued to fall due to drought," he said. "However, the picture overall looks pretty good for tourists who might want to travel to the area to see the foliage."
Here in Alleghany's own backyard, attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway offer travelers an unparalleled view of fall foliage.
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