Minnesota DNR Shares 2024 Fall Colors Season Outlook

MINNESOTA — Cooler air is just around the corner and with that comes the beautiful fall colors in Minnesota.

The Minnesota DNR shares what to expect this season. Experts say fall colors typically peak in mid-to-late September through mid-October.
This year’s growing season has been wetter which is better for the trees. But with that comes fungal leaf diseases that can cause early leaf shedding or dead spots on leaves. Many factors play into when leaves change color. That includes temperatures and rainfall, but the biggest controller is decreasing day length.

“When the days start getting shorter, trees stop producing chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the green pigment that we all see when we look at leaves and needles. And when trees stop producing chlorophyll sunlight actually starts breaking it down and what’s revealed are the yellow and orange pigments that are always there under like in the leaf, but you just can’t see them because there is so much green pigment,” said Brian Schwingle, DNR Forest Health Specialist.

The Minnesota DNR recommends checking out their website for tips on where to find the best fall colors.