On October 20, 2008, I posted the picture below showing that our Acer tschonoskii ssp. koreanum (Butterfly maple) tree was just beginning to color.
Most likely as a result of our hot, dry summer, this year the same tree (bottom photo) has already started to turn color on August 20 — literally two months early! Another reason the weather in 2012 will be one for the record books.
Our big sugar maple is losing leaves and turning color already as well.
I'm sure it's the drought stress. Here in Vermont we see some trees turning color in early to mid August; they are usually damaged or diseased. Although I do have one maple, I don't know the variety, that turns early each year; it's already starting to color.
Posted by: Altoon | Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 05:13 AM
Yes, this crazy weather is doing strange things to the garden. Our Magnolia tree is reblooming. It looks so odd to see this time of year.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 06:24 AM