Also, plants that are in poor health, or are stressed, usually change color earlier than their healthy, unstressed neighbors. As research probes deeper into the basics of plant life, we will understand more about the processes which color the autumn landscape. The Morton Arboretum is particularly beautiful in autumn. The overall color peak, accented by our many sugar maples, usually occurs within the middle 2 weeks of October, but no two seasons are the same. Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
Fall colors are often more vivid in cloudy weather than on sunny days.