When Will Trees Change Color?

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eastern redbuds are yellow, the reddish trees are native dogwoods. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

When Will Trees Change Color?

You’re not wrong. The traditional fall tree leaf color changing in USDA zone 6b is behind schedule this year. A dry summer and early fall have delayed the usual burst of reds and golds. When trees don’t get enough rain, they hold onto green leaves longer while conserving energy — then drop them quickly once cooler nights arrive.

Drought stress also dulls the pigments that create brilliant reds and purples. Without steady moisture, leaves produce fewer sugars, which means less of that deep crimson glow we look forward to each October. Add lingering warmth and bright sun, and leaves may scorch or turn brown instead of transforming through the full color range.

The best fall color comes after a well-watered summer followed by sunny days and crisp, cool nights. This year’s dry conditions have muted the palette, but if we get a little rain soon, late-turning oaks, hickories, and maples may still surprise us with a soft, golden encore.

What to Watch For Next

Even in a dry year, a few native trees and shrubs hold out for late color:

  • Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) – Often turns deep red or wine-colored even in dry years.

  • Sugar and red maples – May still flash orange and gold if rain returns mid-October.

  • Hickories – Their steady golden tones linger well into November.

  • White oak – Slow to turn but may glow bronze or reddish-brown late in the season.

  • Sumac and dogwood – Shrubs often show rich scarlet hues when other plants have faded

Water New Native Plantings

Keep young and newly planted trees watered until the ground freezes. Even a couple of deep soakings before winter helps roots store moisture and reduces stress for next spring’s growth — and maybe next year’s brighter fall color!

So, while fall color arrived late and may not be as vivid this year, nature still has a few bright notes left to play before winter settles in.

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Charlotte