All signs are pointing to a vibrant season of autumn color this year, thanks to plenty of summer and early fall rain, according to Virginia Tech tree physiology expert John Seiler.
“I don’t see any reason to not be optimistic,” said Seiler. “It looks like a really good fall, as all the soils have been recharged with good rainfall. Everything is well saturated, and even if we didn’t get another drop of rain during October, the trees are in a really healthy position.”
“If it stays wet and gloomy, that could potentially dampen the red coloration because the reds need some nice clear days of sunshine to develop. But I think it’s going to be good. People should be looking at their calendars and pick a good Saturday or Sunday, either the third or fourth week in October, and plan your trip accordingly.”
Professor Seiler specializes in environmental stress effects on woody plant physiology, including water and pollutant stresses. He is quoted regularly in broadcast and print publications due to his expertise in tree physiology.
Seiler is the Honorable and Mrs. Shelton H. Short Professor of Forestry at Virginia Tech, and was named an Alumni Distinguished Professor in recognition of his extraordinary academic citizenship and distinguished service within the Virginia Tech community. Seiler teaches in the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
