Approaching Prime Fall Colors in South-central Wisconsin

(KY3)
Published: Oct. 20, 2017 at 8:33 PM CDT
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The clock is ticking for you to enjoy the rich, vibrant colors of autumn. Right now, TravelWisconsin.com is reporting much of the Northwoods are past peak; however, in our area we're approaching the prime season. That means the yellows, oranges, and reds will be a sight to see over the next few days.

TravelWisconsin.com keeps tabs on what's happening with the leaves with the help of 100 fall color reporters providing updates from all 72 counties. One of them is Rene Lee. She the park manager of Governor Nelson State Park. "Early fall when the fall colors are starting to turn, I start to gauge it by watching the walnut trees," said Lee. "They are usually the ones that change color first. And then the ash trees, the maple trees, and then we start getting into the oak trees."

She's been reporting the fall color change for eight years. She said there's not much science to it. "I stand back and observe," said Lee. I look at specific trees and pull the color out from them and group them like a pallet. Then I determine that by what I think it's going to be in the next couple of days. So, I have no chart to go by, it's just all by sight."

While the leaves are always the star of the show, Lee said it's just as important to check out the colors of the prairie grass and to also listen. While out in the park, she called out several different birds and even some squirrel chatter.

As the end of October nears, Lee said now's the time to check out the leaves because it's only a matter of time before the flakes start flying.

To learn more about the charting of fall colors and to find out what some people say is there favorite place to check out the colors -- click on the WebExtra for extended interviews.

So what makes the leaves change from green to these popping colors? The Wisconsin DNR's website said as the days grow shorter, the trees produce less chlorophyll. "Eventually, a tree stops producing chlorophyll. When that happens, the carotenoid already in the leaves can finally show through. The leaves become a bright rainbow of glowing yellows, sparkling oranges and warm browns," according to the DNR's website. As you may have noticed the colors can vary from year to year. That's because it takes a specific recipe for the trees to produce the best autumn colors. The DNR's website said we need a warm, wet spring. In the summer, it can't be too hot or too dry. And when fall finally rolls around, we need plenty of warm sunny days and cool nights.

Copyright: WMTV 2017

What type of colors are in your neighborhood?  The Wisconsin DNR shares which trees produce particular colors in the fall. 

  • Oaks: red, brown or russet
  • Hickories: golden bronze
  • Dogwood: purple-red
  • Birch: bright yellow
  • Poplar: golden yellow
  • Maple trees show a whole range of colors:
    • Sugar maple: orange-red
    • Black maple: glowing yellow
    • Red maple: bright scarlet

Learn more by visiting the Wisconsin DNR's website.  There is a link posted under the related links tab on this page.