These picturesque views can be seen on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Roaring Gap. Many of the county’s trees should be reaching their color peak by this weekend.

Leaf season is beginning in the area

The aftermath of hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne shouldn’t have a major impact on the changing leaves in Alleghany County and other areas in western North Carolina.

Even so, Dr. Robert Bardon, associate professor of forestry and extension forestry specialist at North Carolina State University, says the strong winds and heavy rains brought on by tropical storms in recent weeks shouldn’t affect the tapestry of colors in the mountain region this fall.

“The trees are growing well and are not under a lot of stress,” Bardon said. “It doesn’t appear that the wind has done much to defoliate the crowns. The hurricanes will have an impact on tourism with the damaged roads, but they shouldn’t have an effect on the trees.”

Get the rest of this article in this week's issue of the Alleghany News! Back