Fall colors could be muted by 2024 heat damage, arborist warns

MARYLAND, USA — Fall is still weeks away, but there are signs that summer’s weather extremes may have hurt some trees and reduced the chances for spectacular fall foliage in the coming season, according to arborist Lou Meyer of Davey Tree Expert Company.

“The long dry spell that we've had in the summer of 2024 is definitely going to affect fall colors," Meyer said as he pointed to a black walnut tree that appeared to be turning yellow early.

"We're going to expect less show unless we get some heavy rain from now until late September. But currently it's going to be pretty drab.”

Meyer added that stretches of consistent cool, crisp and dry conditions in between episodes of rain would also help brighten the currently dull outlook.

Some stressed trees may lose their green color early, which is a sign of stress that might require strategies to help the tree recover, such as watering, mulching and fertilizing.

Meyer says tree stress has also been exacerbated by unusual weather extremes in recent winter seasons.

For instance, in the D.C. region, February set records for warmth.

“Really the biggest factor for our forest in Maryland right now is the ups and downs of the weather patterns," Meyer observed.

"It's those warm periods in January and February that are followed by cool periods that cause the trees push out new growth. It gets cold and they get zapped back. If they have to do this over and over again throughout the growing season, that depletes their stores of carbohydrates and weakens them.”

Meyer said that stressed trees in your yard can be saved with watering and feeding. He recommends and assessment from a licensed, professional arborists before taking action.