Fall is almost here—that magical time when the air turns crisp, sweaters make their annual debut, and we all start planning scenic drives to see the trees show off in their brightest reds, oranges, and golds.
But before you pack the family into the car for a leaf-peeping adventure, there’s something you should know: this year’s display might be… a little underwhelming. Don’t panic (and please, don’t spill your pumpkin spice latte), but our region’s fall colors probably won’t be quite as vibrant as usual.
The main culprit? A wet, soggy spring.
When trees spend the early part of the year with “wet feet,” it creates ideal conditions for foliar fungus—basically, athlete’s foot for trees, unpleasant and not very photogenic The result is leaves that spot, curl, or fall off way before they get their big moment in the spotlight.
This year, Tioga County, PA, and the Southern Tier of New York saw a lot of this. Add a long stretch of dry, hot weather and many trees are going into fall looking a little… well, exhausted. Imagine showing up to a party after running a marathon—that’s how some of these maples are feeling.
Here’s how that plays out:
Muted colors overall – Expect fewer jaw-dropping reds and oranges. Yellows and rusty tones will likely steal the show, though they might look a bit tired in spots.
Patchy displays – Some hillsides will shine while others look half-bare, like a haircut gone wrong.
A shorter season – With some leaves already dropping, peak foliage could feel like a blink-and-you-miss-it event.
The good news? Not every tree is struggling. Healthy oaks, maples, and other sturdy species will still put on a nice show—you just might have to hunt for those postcard-worthy views instead of finding them everywhere.
Yes, it’s a bit disappointing, but remember: trees are resilient. This year’s muted display isn’t a sign of long-term decline—it’s just nature responding to a rough season.
Plus, there’s beauty in subtlety. A soft, golden hillside paired with crisp air, crunchy leaves underfoot, and maybe a cozy campfire nearby can be just as charming as a fiery red explosion of color. Think “relaxing acoustic concert” rather than “rock festival.”
And let’s be honest—fall is more than just color. It’s about slowing down, taking a drive on a cool evening, and soaking in the whole vibe. Even if the trees are a little off their game, you can still have a picture-perfect fall day… especially if there’s pie involved. Pie fixes a lot.
So if you notice leaves dropping early or colors looking a little “meh,” now you know why. A wet spring stacked the deck in favor of fungus and stress, and the trees are showing it.
So manage expectations, grab some hot apple cider for the road, and enjoy fall for what it is this year—a season of change, even if the color show is playing things cool.
And hey, there’s always next year. With a little luck and better weather, we’ll be back to those brilliant, fiery hillsides that make fall in our region unforgettable.
