The dry summer much of Ontario experienced could impact the vibrancy of the colourful fall foliage.

Ian Laidlaw, ISA certified arborist and district manager for Ottawa Davey Tree Expert Company, said stress, including dry conditions, can dull fall colours and cause leaves to turn earlier.

“The trees have already started changing,” he said.

Laidlaw said he saw trees near his property outside Ottawa starting to change in mid-August.

Laidlaw explains when a tree is stressed, they prioritize other things besides producing chlorophyll, which is what makes the trees’ leaves green.

“That’s causing plants to turn colours a little bit earlier,” he said. “The greens, they’re just not as vibrant green. They’re kind of yellowish, lighter green.”

Parts of Ontario experienced drought conditions

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