IOWA — It’s finally October which means many trees in Iowa are starting to turn to beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources released its first fall color report on Wednesday. The report contains a description of what colors are starting to appear and where. The report is released weekly on the DNR’s website.

Listed in the table below are the various color reports from across the state:

Report DateAreaFall ColorPeak Viewing Time9/30/2024Northeast IowaVirginia creeper and sumac – turning crimson. Cottonwood, elm, ash, walnut, hackberry, and basswood – turning yellow. Sugar maples – few starting to turn orange.October 10 to 209/30/2024Central IowaWalnut, ash, and elms – yellow starting to show. Maples – few have turned red or orange. Woodbine – turning crimson.October 19 to 209/30/2024Northcentral and northwest IowaWalnut, ash, elms, and hackberry – starting to turn yellow. Hard maple – turning orangish.Mid-October9/30/2024Southeast IowaVirginia creeper and poison ivy – now red. Some yellows and browns popping up.October 209/30/2024Southwest IowaNative grasses – turning reddish. Dogwoods – at full color. Cottonwoods, walnuts, and ash – turning yellow. Plums – mostly done with color/leaves.Early to Mid-OctoberInformation from Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Color Report.

To learn more about the weekly fall color report and about how to sign up for email updates visit the DNR’s website.

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