ST. CLOUD -- If you notice some of your trees starting to change color already, that's not a good sign.

Janelle Daberkow is a horticulturist with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. She says it's too soon for fall colors to be arriving, so it means your tree is likely distressed.

Daberkow says the tree probably needs water.

She says the lack of rain could impact the fall color season too.  With a lack of moisture, trees will begin shutting down the photosynthesis process earlier than normal and the colors won't be as vibrant.  Daberkow says this is especially true for trees in dense forests where they have to compete with each other for the little moisture that is there.

Daberkow says the rule of thumb is..."if Mother Nature doesn't provide the water for your trees, you must."

More From AM 1240 WJON