Leaves in Southwestern PA changing faster this year

The southwestern region of Pennsylvania is one of the best places in the country for leaf peepers looking for the brightest colors on changing trees.

The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has released the first foliage map of the season. If you plan on going out to see the changing leaves, experts suggesting doing it sooner than later this season.

As you can see, much of the state is currently in the “Starting to Change” part of the cycle, with the exception of Somerset County which is “Approaching Best Color”.

According to foresters in the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas the leaves are beginning to change.

“Virginia creeper vines are bright red and spicebush shrubs are beginning to turn yellow. Many red maple and black gum trees are well into their fall color transition, showcasing vibrant reds and oranges,” the report states.

Foresters in Westmoreland County say that trees are changing more rapidly compared to recent years and leaves will fall faster.

That’s due to a lack of rain and “some level of drought” for all of the region.

That change will be notice more rapidly on “less drought tolerant trees like birches, black cherry, maples, and yellow poplar.”

With the recent rain and wind, some trees have already lost all of its leaves.

See the full report here .