Fall color has potential for greatness and is about to start

Despite drought conditions, expectations are likely that this year’s fall foliage season will be good and, in some locations, potentially spectacular.  Where there is drought the leaves likely will turn brown and fall prematurely, but Clemson University thinks the quality of color might actually benefit from the relative lack of rain.  Donald Hagan, forest ecologist, says, “A little bit of stress prompts earlier fall color development, condensing the season and encouraging more tree species to peak almost simultaneously. This produces a rich palette of colors–yellows, oranges, red and purples….”  Early October should be prime time on the higher elevations of the southern Blue Ridge Parkway.