By now fall colors ought to be at their peak in southwestern Pennsylvania but that isn’t the case this year.

Above, an American beech leaf shows hints of green and yellow but is already mostly brown.  The view below at Moraine State Park on Tuesday October 17 shows a landscape that’s still green or brown and leafless.  There are no beautiful reds and yellows.

Emerald ash borer killed the trees that used to contribute yellow, orange and violet.  This year September’s heat and drought suppressed the maples.

We’re still waiting for the oaks to change color but they will turn a muted red.

Maybe next year.

(photos by Kate St. John)