Fall colors are beginning to appear around Lincoln, and the coming weeks could bring some colorful scenery if weather conditions cooperate. Laurie Stepanek, forest health specialist with the Nebraska Forest Service, says the wet weather late this summer has caused some trees to lose their leaves early because of fungal diseases.
She says green ash trees have been particularly affected, potentially reducing the amount of yellow color they normally provide in the fall. However, Stepanek tells KLIN News other trees could still provide a colorful display.
“White ash is much more resistant to the leaf disease, and white ash usually gives us a nice maroon color with some yellow interior foliage,” Stepanek says. She says cool nights and sunny days help bring out the yellows, oranges and reds in fall foliage. If the forecast holds, Lincoln could see more color develop over the next couple of weeks.
Stepanek recommends visiting the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City and East campuses, Nebraska Wesleyan University and Union Adventist University to see a variety of trees. Outside Lincoln, Wayne Park in Waverly and Doane University in Crete are also good places to enjoy the changing leaves.
Stepanek says peak fall color typically arrives in early to mid-October, depending on the tree species. Some trees, including Lindens and Kentucky coffee trees, are already beginning to show yellow foliage, while some maple trees are starting to turn orange.