Looking forward to Fall colors at Lake Vermilion

Sizzling scarlet and zesty yellows or earthy oranges and rusty reds mirrored by the Lake—what hues will paint our landscape this year? We can only guess, but some recent weather factors could give us clues!

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Dull or earthy fall colors can be caused by drought or leaf disease. When there is a mild summer drought, it can enhance fall colors, but severe drought usually dulls them considerably. In some cases, drought can cause foliage to die early and turn straw-colored due to lack of water. A severe summer drought landscape is filled with the subtler colors of tans, bronzes, and auburns.

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Good news—since early June 2024, the entire state of Minnesota has been drought-free! In general, the best fall colors are set up by a growing season that has average precipitation. Although our excessively wet spring caused leaf diseases on some species, like aspen and oaks, it fortunately didn’t cause much leaf loss. After 2023’s drought, this year’s rainy growing season means trees have the potential to maximize their color production in the fall!

As we move deeper into September, bright sunshine and small temperature swings will bring out the best colors possible. We are more likely to see brilliant colors when the days are sunny, and the nights are cool (between 32-45 °F). Light frosts can help, but a hard freeze or early snow could stop the show in its tracks.

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So what kind of fall will we have? Only God really knows—but beauty is guaranteed.