Fall colors possibly impacted by damaging heat around Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Recording-breaking heat might have a lasting impact on a variety of plants in the Pacific Northwest as fall approaches.

The pop of color seen around the Pacific Northwest during the autumn months might be slightly muted this fall. The excessive July heat felt around the Portland area and much of the Pacific Northwest could have a negative impact on the fall foliage this year.

Several tree species leaves have already fallen due to sun-scorching during the 100-plus degree days. Excessive heat combined with nearly no measurable rainfall during the month of July has put trees and shrubs under stress this summer. Some trees spotted around Portland have either burned and dried leaves or have lost their leaves all together.

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The trees are under stress, but are not likely dead if they are mature. However, some of varieties might struggle to regrow new leaves in time for the fall foliage. An easy way to check if plants are still alive after the excessive heat is by peeling back a bit of the bark on a small stem. If the stem is still green, then the plant is still alive, but needs help to survive. Watering the tree or shrub with a slow drip for an extended amount of time will help get moisture to the deep root system. This will give the plant a fighting chance to survive the rest of the summer season and to prepare it for the winter season ahead.

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