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Dry Spell Hampers Region

September 26, 2010
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Horticulturist Barbara Bullock says the D.C. area is in need of some big rain falls.
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Horticulturist Barbara Bullock says the D.C. area is in need of some big rain falls.

By Matt Laslo

With the rain gently falling there's a ting of optimism in the air at the National Arboretum, but horticulturists here say don't let the rain fool you. Some leaves are already falling early and some branches on bushes and trees have died because it's been so dry. Horticulturist Barbara Bullock says the area is in need of some big rain falls.

"This month in September we have not even had a full inch - we've only had just .66 - six tenths of an inch all month. And the rainfall we are receiving today is not even measurable. It's not even reaching our collector," Bullock said.

Experts say the region could get fall early and possibly with less vibrant colors than usual. Farmers have taken the brunt of the dry spell, with farm experts saying yields in the region are at an eight year low.

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