At The Morton Arboretum, thousands of tree species from around the world put on a unique spectacle of golds, reds, purples, and oranges every fall. When is the right time to go leaf-peeping at the Arboretum? Often.
The timing of fall leaf color varies from year to year and place to place, depending on both the genetics of different kinds of trees and the weather.
Individual trees may begin to change color as early as late summer if they have been under stress from drought or other adverse conditions. This is especially true in urban areas, where conditions are often stressful for trees. The majority of trees will usually wait until later in September, when there are warm, sunny days and cool nights.
The Fall Color Report tracks the progression of fall color across the Arboretum’s grounds. Check this page regularly for the latest updates and plan your visits so you don’t miss any of the gorgeous fall colors!
About the Fall Color Report
The Fall Color Report is written by The Morton Arboretum’s manager of plant records, Ed Hedborn. It is typically published on Wednesdays throughout the fall to help guests plan their weekend visits. The Arboretum also publishes a weekly Bloom Report in springtime.
