Maryland Fall Foliage 2015

Fall foliage has begun to appear across parts of Maryland, according to the Maryland Office of Tourism and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fall Foliage & Festival Hotline.

Some of the earliest displays of fall foliage can be found in western Maryland. Traditionally, foliage in Garrett County begins to turn around the end of September and peaks around mid-October.

Maryland's fall foliage hues usually vary from year to year, depending on Autumn temperatures, rainfall, storms, and other factors.

During the Fall season, trees release a chemical called phytochrome, which slows down chlorophyll production in preparation for winter dormancy. As the green chlorophyll recedes, foliage changes color.

The amount and acidity of tree sap also affects foliage colors. Strongly acidic sap leads to red and other brightly-colored foliage, while less acidic sap produces more yellows or softer tones.


Fall Foliage Colors

Yellows

Ash, White
Basswood
Beech
Birch, Rive
Birch, Sweet
Buckeye, Ohio
Coffeetree, Kentucky
Cottonwood, Eastern
Elder, Box
Elm, American
Hazel Nut
Hickory, Mockernut
Hickory, Pignut
Hickory, Shagbark
Hickory, Shellbark
Hophornbeam, Eastern
Locust, Black
Locust, Honey
Maple, Silver
Oak, Chestnut
Pecan
Redbud, Eastern
Shad Bush
Tuliptree
Walnut, Black
Walnut, White
Willow, Black

Reds - Pinks - Oranges

Dogwood
Gum, Black
Oak, Northern Red
Oak, Pin
Oak, Scarlet
Oak, Southern Red
Oak, Swamp Chestnut
Sourwood
Sumac

Browns

Oak, Bur
Oak, Post
Oak, Shingle
Oak, Swamp White

State Champion Sweet Birch Tree Discovered In Gunpowder Falls State Park

A new Maryland State Champion tree was recently found in Gunpowder Falls State Park. Dan Wilson, a volunteer with the Maryland Big Tree Program, located the massive sweet birch (Betula lenta) hidden deep within the Park.

The tree was found to be 115 feet tall, 10 feet 1 inch around and with a crown spread of 45 feet, equaling a total point value of 247. According to American Forests this is the tallest tree of its species on record. The previous sweet birch State Champion, with a point value of 237, is located in Cecil County.

The United States Champion is located in New Hampshire at 266 points. The Maryland champion appears healthy and could seize the national title in future years. The tree is also the largest of its species ever recorded in Maryland (dating back to 1925). The tree is located at GPS coordinates N39 32 093 W76 29 955.

The sweet birch is native to all of Maryland north and west of I-95, the tree can be found in counties south and east of that area but usually only sporadically and in small groups.

The name sweet birch comes from the sweet wintergreen flavor of its bark and twigs. The tree is also referred to as black birch because of its dark bark.

For more information, visit dnr.state.md.us/forests/trees/bigtree.asp

Swamp Bay Tree Added to Maryland Big Tree Program

A large swamp bay tree (Persea palustris) was recently recognized by the Maryland Big Tree Program. The unusual tree was measured in Hickory Point Cypress Swamp at Pocomoke State Forest by Dan Wilson, a volunteer with the Maryland Big Tree Program (MBTP).

The swamp bay is listed on Maryland’s Threatened and Endangered Species List for Worcester County. The tree has a circumference of 17 inches, a height of 27 feet and an average crown spread of 20 feet. Its total point value is 49, making it the first State Champion.

The species more common in North Carolina. The U.S. Champion, with a total of 212 points is located in a swamp in Newport News, Virginia.

The swamp bay is now the 143rd tree species to be added to the Maryland Big Tree Program. The recently found example is among a clump of smaller trees of the same species, so it appears there is a well-established colony to support future growth.

The Big Tree Program originated in Maryland in 1925, went national in 1940, and is run by American Forests, www.americanforests.org. Each state has a State Coordinator who collects data, measures trees, and biannually submits certain trees to American Forests as potential National Champions. For more information, visit dnr.state.md.us/forests/trees/bigtree.asp.

The universal “point” system was developed by Maryland’s first State Forester, Fred Besley. The formula is: circumference in inches + height in feet + one fourth of the average crown spread in feet.

To report what may be a State Big Tree, or for a copy of the State Big Tree List, contact John Bennett at mdbigtreeprogram@aol.com or 410-287-5980.

source: MD DNR

Marylanders Plant Trees Program

Help is available to help replace trees that were destroyed in Maryland by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The State is offering $25 coupons toward the purchase of a Maryland native tree through the Marylanders Plant Trees program.

Citizens concerned about planting new trees in light of the recent storms can learn best practices on selecting the location of new trees by visiting trees.maryland.gov/plant.asp or by contacting a participating tree nursery for further tips and advice.

Groups that would like to plant trees on public lands such as schools, churches and parks can buy them at a significant discount through Tree-Mendous Maryland. These trees also contribute to Maryland's citizen tree planting goal.

Trees protect water quality, clean our air and provide important wildlife habitat. One large tree can eliminate 5,000 gallons of stormwater runoff each year, and well placed trees can help reduce energy costs by 15 to 35 percent. Trees also help beautify communities and parks, provide sound barriers and shade, and help increase property values.

The Marylanders Plant Trees program continues to offer $25 coupons toward the purchase of native trees costing $50 or more, redeemable at nearly 86 participating nurseries across the State.

DNR encourages citizens to “plant and be counted” by registering every tree they plant. Participants will be eligible for prizes, while observing the environmental benefits of their tree through interactive maps and charts. For more information, a list of prizes, and to register a tree, visit trees.maryland.gov.

Maryland Fall Foliage

Maryland is one of the top states in the Mid Atlantic for viewing fall foliage. In several areas, fall colors are spectacular, especially in October.

Maryland flora includes not only deciduous trees but countless species of shrubs, bushes, vines and other plant life.

Throughout much of Maryland, viewing fall foliage can be as simple as a tour of back roads in rural areas. State parks and national wildlife refuges are also good places to experience the State's outstanding plant life.

Attending a fall festival is another way to enjoy fall colors in Maryland. Some of the best fall festivals held in the State include the Maryland Renaissance Festival (Annapolis), Annapolis Fall Festival, Autumn Glory Festival (Garret County), Maryland Fall Home & Garden Show (Timonium), and the Fall Harvest Festival & Crafts Show (Farm Museum at Susquehanna State Park - Havre de Grace).

One of the best ways to see fall foliage is to take a river tour in Maryland. Many of the State's tidal rivers are lined with trees, shrubs, berry plants and other flora that cannot be seen otherwise.

From September thru November, trees and other plants along the banks of Maryland's rivers and creeks are ablaze with red, orange, yellow, gold, green, and other colors.

bald cypress trees in bloom

red maple leaves

red maple leaves

gum tree leaves

shades of green, red, yellow and gold

berries along a river bank

poison ivy

End of Summer in Maryland

With the days getting shorter, the nights cooler and the first red leaves appearing, Maryland outdoor enthusiasts are beginning to realize that the fall season will soon be here.

During late August, flocks of blackbirds, mourning doves, Canada geese, mallards, and other migratory birds will start to appear in the skies over Maryland. 

This sweetbay magnolia bloomed brilliant white in May.

By mid August, magnolia seeds are turning bright red, signalling the impending end of summer.

In forests and along river banks, Maryland red maples are beginning to turn colors.