2017 Fall Foliage In Herndon: The Leaves Are About To Change

HERNDON, VA — We're now a week into October, and it hasn't been terribly fall-like lately with some warm temperatures. However, cooler temperatures are on their way and peak fall foliage may be upon us very soon.

In the D.C. area, peak foliage doesn't hit until the latter half of the month, so we may still have a week until we really see some significant changes in the foliage. But that also means it's right around the corner and you may start to see some leaves change already.

"As we move into October, mostly-green trees are glowing with yellow undertones or blushing with pink ones," reads the Virginia Department of Forestry's Fall Foliage Report for this weekend. "Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, occasional flashes of deep red can be seen. Total color change along the Blue Ridge and into the Shenandoah Valley averages 10-20%. So far, the effects of extended dry weather have led to dull golds with a few patches of red. Higher mountain areas of the southwest are showing more reds, from dogwood, sourwood, black gum, and some maples. Mountain color varies greatly, depending on elevation, recent moisture levels, and the direction a slope faces. Drive around the areas above 3000 feet to encounter a few spots with 50% color change."

Maple, gum, ash, beech, and birch trees are likely to go first. The following chart will help you pick out which is which:

• ash - yellow, maroon
• beech - yellow to orange
• dogwood - scarlet to purple
• hickory - golden bronze
• oak - red, brown or russet
• poplar - golden yellow
• red maple - brilliant scarlet

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