TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - You may have noticed the fall colors in full force the past week. Foliage has reached near peak for much of the area.
But with cooler temperatures and windy conditions in the forecast, we may not see the fall colors much longer.
According to Urban Forestry Specialist Lindsey Purcell, fall colors are driven by the plant and its environment.
Trees have to have enough nutrients and moisture to be able to maintain their leaves and colors. If a tree lacks moisture or proper nutrition, their color will be limited.
Purcell said stress or drought can also hinder fall colors.
"Often times the trees will turn kind of yellowish and brown rather than the brilliant colors and last for a long time that we like to see,” said Purcell.
Purcell said this year's foliage turned out more colorful than many expected.
"This has been a wacky year as far as a wet spring and then we got dry, especially in the southern part of the state. So predicting this year's fall colors was going to be really difficult."
Purcell said last weekend's rain could help extend how long the fall colors last, But if drier and more windy conditions return, leaves will fall sooner.
You can follow the fall foliage forecast here.
