Colors of fall provide feast for the eyes

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

You can pile them, jump in them, hide in them, burn them when permitted — and eventually you’ll have to rake them.

But the treat the colors of fall leaves can provide for the eyes makes it all worthwhile.

For those who have been itching to take an area drive to peep at autumn colors, this weekend should be a good time. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, peak fall color occurs in northeast Iowa, on average, during the weekend closest to Oct. 10, which is Saturday.

“Typically, peak fall color occurs progressively later the farther south you go in Iowa,” the DNR states on its website. “Perhaps the most important thing about fall color is having the time to enjoy it.”

In this area and throughout northeast Iowa, the DNR says prime days for leaf-peeping are Oct. 5-10.

“The fall colors are outstanding so far this year in the northeast corner of Iowa,” the DNR said. “Most species are starting to turn colors at this time. The many recent clear days and cool nights are helping to produce a more vibrant show than last year. Typically drab fall color species, like walnut, hackberry, basswood and elm, are unusually bright and brilliant this year.”

For North Central and Northwest Iowa, peak colors are expected Oct. 12-16.

“The forests are showing much more color now,” the DNR said about the region. “Hard maples and white ash are becoming much more colorful in the forest and in towns. Walnuts, cottonwoods, green ash, and basswood are turning more yellow. Forest edges have red foliage in dogwoods and sumac.”

Fall colors in Central Iowa are expected to peak from Oct. 10-17, while the southern third of the state is expected to peak from Oct. 15-22, according to the DNR.

For those who are more concerned with raking and disposing of the leaves than they are with looking at them, the street department in Charles City has announced that the brush and fall leaves pickup for 2020 is scheduled for the week of Oct. 26.

The instructions are to place brush on the parking with the cut ends facing the street. Rake leaves into piles on the street 12-18 inches from the curb to prevent storm sewers from becoming clogged.

The city plans to make a round through town just once this year. Those who miss getting brush or leaves out in time for pickup, are advised that the Shaw Avenue Dumpsite is still open daily.

Whole trees will not be picked up.