LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — So many people look forward to the changing colors of leaves once fall comes around. This season is likely to be less colorful though. That's because of the stretch of high temperatures we've been seeing.
"It's causing a lot of stress on trees and if you look at some of the trees around us, they're turning brown and they're just dropping their leaves,” said Forest Scientist Tom Kimmerer.
Ancient trees with deeper roots are doing better since they're getting more water. However, younger trees and ones with shallow roots are more likely to have their leaves hit the ground sooner.
Not all hope is lost though. Kimmerer says if the Bluegrass region gets some rainfall in the next couple of weeks, we could see more colors by the end of the season.
"But I think it's going to be more subtle than it often is,” said Kimmerer. “I always tell people if you want to see a fall like this, you need to get out of your car and go for a hike, because the colors are going to be somewhat muted. Things are going to be a little bit different than they are usually."
Kimmerer says you're likely to see more colorful fall foliage if you travel east. If you want to stick to the Bluegrass region, he suggests visiting the Lexington Cemetery.
