Almost every autumn the trees put on a spectacular show in southern Wisconsin. The natural landscape is ripe with deciduous trees—especially maples—and as the days shorten they begin to dazzle with leaves of bright red, orange and gold.
Unfortunately, the colors this fall are noticeably subdued. Last year’s drought and this year’s late-season dry spell have really done a number on the trees. The landscape is still awash in color, but it’s mostly muted shades of gold or brown. Some trees are skipping the color altogether and dropping green leaves.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I hope we get a lot of snow this winter so the trees and plants can finally get some much-needed moisture, and the stressed plants will be protected from the bitter cold by a cozy blanket of snow.