We’ve had several nights now that have been in the low-to-mid 40s south to the mid 30s north. This has triggered some color change in earlier changing trees and a few of the mid-season species as well. This week the “Low” color category now covers the entire state of Iowa and even into northern Missouri and Kansas. Moderate color is now being found across northern to central Wisconsin. Only cities in the far southeast are left in the very little-to-no color category. In Iowa, even the northern part of the state is still in the low color range. The color here is getting better, but it is still not very bright. Typical peak in this area is around the 15th – in which they are on track to hit, so expect color to really start progressing in this area over the next several days.

Fall is finally showing itself here in southern Iowa. Earlier changing trees, especially Ash, are turning colors and some are even bright. However, most Ash trees seem to be pretty dull this year, and nice color is hard to find. There are a few Maples starting to show a hint of color in the outer branches, like the one above in my yard, but they have a long ways to go before being beautiful. When one looks across the tree canopy, it still has the look of being mostly green. I would say the Des Moines area is at 20% color. Besides fall colors, the harvest season is well under way in this area and cornfields are being cut – fall has certainly arrived.