Drought results in dull fall colors, studies show

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A majority of Utah is under severe drought warning with some spaces being monitored as extreme drought, according to the latest drought information released by the National Weather Service.

While the report lists negative impact to hydrology and agriculture, Katie Wagner, Horticulture faculty with USU Extension, talked with ABC4 about the impact to Utah’s vibrant fall colors.

Wagner explained the Salt Lake County Office has a diagnostic help desk to continually respond to questions from the public for landscape issues. While the majority of questions received are about grass, tree care is not something to take lightly.

Marginal leaf burn or leaf scorch, where leave’s edges are losing color, is the tree’s “response to water stress.” During a dry fall, the trend will show more muted fall colors and leaf scorch will reduce the color of the leaves.

Ground moisture is something that happens overtime. “A single storm isn’t going to make a huge difference,” Wagner said.

Her suggestion during drought conditions is to prioritize trees and shrubs over all other landscape material- even grass. She said grass will often recover and should be last priority for water distribution. She added that should be noted to get moisture down 18-20 inches in the soil. Grass and weeds can soak up water on the surface and Wagner warned that is something to be mindful of.

Watering trees every couple of weeks will ensure moisture in the roots and the trunk. Wagner warned that drip emitters should have supplemental irrigation for trees and shrubs so they can get what the the moisture they need. Additionally, if landscapes are changed, it’s imperative to not forget to adjust irrigation to accommodate.

Research shows the initial trigger for trees to move resources and change colors is shorter days, but sunny autumn days followed by cooler nighttime temperatures with adequate moisture are all contributing factors to vibrant colors. “We will still see fall colors, they just won’t be as vivid,” Wagner clarified.

When asked what Utahns can do to be mindful of how the drought affects plant-life, Wagner explained, “Be vigilant of what’s happening drought-condition-wise. Enjoy nature. Realize that the plants are out there and they are really well adapted to heat and drought conditions.”