The Plant Man column for publication week of 10/03/04 - 10/09/04 (760 words) ###
The Plant Man by Steve Jones
Breathtaking fall colors: where to find the best!
Once again, it?s the fall season in America, and as temperatures begin to cool, deciduous trees from coast to coast are changing into their spectacular autumn clothing!
Whether it?s a spur-of-the-moment romantic getaway weekend, or a memorable family trip, this could be the perfect time for you to take a couple of days and catch the breathtaking display of color that Mother Nature has provided for your pleasure.
If you don?t live in an area where the fall colors are very exciting, or if you?d just like a change of scenery, you might be surprised to find how close you are to some outstanding fall color shows.
This week, I?ll point you at some web sites that will quickly and easily help you pinpoint the best places to see fall colors, both close to home and a little farther afield. To make it even easier, I have provided hot links to each of the sites listed here. Simply go to
For example, you can click on the region that interests you (each regional heading lists the states that are covered) and scroll down to see a report on an individual forest or location. Some listings are updated almost weekly by local ?spotters? who provide online advice about current color conditions, and also include the estimated peak color period and recommended viewing routes.
And if you think the only place to see superb fall colors is New England, this site will make you think again! You?ll find current reports and photographs of recommended fall color viewing sites in states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Louisiana and Texas, among many others.
Browse through this site and you?ll learn that the Davy Crockett National Forest in Texas is best viewed from highways 7, 103W and 21 to Ratcliff Lake and the peak viewing period is mid-November, but as of this week, ?recent rains and mild temperatures are keeping things very green in Texas. There are no real signs of fall colors at this time,? according to the USDA Forest Service spotter.
Regardless of where you live, you?re in driving distance of some spectacular fall colors, so go out and treat yourself to a free show! And if you?d like to plant some trees of your own that will provide future fall color, send me an e-mail (including your location) and I?ll give you some suggestions.
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to snipped-for-privacy@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit