East Texas Fall Colors (Austin, Beaumont: live in, pine, best)

[bman15470]

Does anyone have some East Texas pictures of the fall colors they would like to share? When do the leave start to turn? Is it similar to other cooler areas of the country? Does east Texas lose its "Greenness" in winter? Share what you have about the east Texas seasons in word and/or picture. Thanks bman

[Metro Matt]

The trees are starting to drop their old leaves here in Tyler, but they haven't changed colors just yet because it hasn't stayed cool enough. I think towards the end of October is when we can expect to see some vibrant Fall colors. Yes, East Texas stays partially green year round because of all the pine trees in this region of the state. The further west you go, the browner it becomes.

[EasilyAmused]

End of October it starts to ramp up. But we had such a dry summer, I don't know what the color will be like. I'll start taking photos next weekend and post here as we go along. I saw a tinge of change two weeks ago. It's more about the light than the cool weather.

[doctorjef]

Originally Posted by Metro Matt

The trees are starting to drop their old leaves here in Tyler, but they haven't changed colors just yet because it hasn't stayed cool enough. I think towards the end of October is when we can expect to see some vibrant Fall colors. Yes, East Texas stays partially green year round because of all the pine trees in this region of the state. The further west you go, the browner it becomes.

This isn't entirely true. Austin stays partly green 12 months of the year because of the live oaks and the cedar.

As to autumn colour, the chinese tallow trees down in southeast TX put on a nice show, though that's more down toward Beaumont.

I'm a native Texan, but the truth is that in comparison with so many other parts of the country, autumn colour in Texas is very, very minimal and disappointing.

[I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA]

Originally Posted by doctorjef

I'm a native Texan, but the truth is that in comparison with so many other parts of the country, autumn colour in Texas is very, very minimal and disappointing.

I'm a native Texan too and I agree. I've seen fall in North Carolina and West Virginia, it's gorgeous, fall color as far as you can see. In my opinion, ten leaves turning does not qualify as fall color.

[bman15470]

When I was in Mt Pleasant last August I mentioned to one of the locals that I was very impressed with how green and lush the area was and this individual told me that they (Mt Pleasant area) were fortunate to have had a somewhat wetter than usual summer. I know this isn't the case for Austin/SA but that area around Tyler was lush green in the middle of August! I am trying to envision what it looks like in January as the the average daily high is still well into the 60's. That is just so opposite from where I now live (western OR) which drys up and turns yellow by mid July from lack of rain.

[TexasNick]

Dude, you're thinking of leaving OREGON? that's the prettiest state..or one of the prettiest. My vote would go for Wyoming/Montana area.

[BobTex]

I've lived in Tennessee, Michigan, and Maine. Grew up and live in East Texas. My dad lives about 20 miles outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee on the old paternal family farm. Texas has some color but it is quite scattered. Best color in Texas comes from the sweetgum, maple, and hickory (some hickories get astonishing golden). Blackgum is now quite red but it is small leaves. There is nowhere in Texas I'd travel to see leaves changing except Lost Maples State Park.


Obviously New England is by far the premier destination for autumn colors. Everybody should go at least once. The only pic I have online is this fishing pic but the background is commonplace. This is fall, late Sept., 2007 in mid-Maine about 40 miles SW of Bangor:



I have some awesome pics I need to put on the 'puter, maybe later.

Tennessee is nice, not outstanding, but better than Texas for fall foliage.

[jluke65780]

Originally Posted by doctorjef

This isn't entirely true. Austin stays partly green 12 months of the year because of the live oaks and the cedar.

As to autumn colour, the chinese tallow trees down in southeast TX put on a nice show, though that's more down toward Beaumont.

I'm a native Texan, but the truth is that in comparison with so many other parts of the country, autumn colour in Texas is very, very minimal and disappointing.

Not really. If you live in the west or on the gulf coast. Than sure; however, where I grew up our leaves changed colors.

[TexasNick]

That's a cool pic, Bob.

Come on guys, lets be honest...fall foliage in Texas SUCKS!

Los Maples State park is pretty good, though.