False Autumn: Why Are Trees Dropping Their Leaves Early?

Have you noticed brown leaves appearing on the ground already? With autumn still officially weeks away, it can seem strange to see trees looking a little autumnal in August. This is sometimes called a “false autumn”. It happens when trees become stressed by heat and lack of water and begin shedding their leaves earlier than they normally would.

After such a hot and dry summer, it’s something gardeners may notice more readily. When soil becomes very dry, trees can struggle to take up enough water to support their leaves. Dropping some leaves reduces the amount of water the tree loses.

The leaves may look brown, dry or crispy rather than showing the beautiful reds, oranges and golds we associate with normal autumn colour.

If you see this happening in your garden, there’s no need to panic. An established tree can often cope with a period of stress, although newly planted trees and younger plants may need particular attention during dry weather.

It’s also worth resisting the temptation to start the big autumn tidy-up just yet. Fallen leaves, seedheads and fading plants can provide valuable food and shelter for wildlife, so leaving some of them in place can benefit the garden.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about false autumn is the reminder that plants don't follow our gardening calendars. They respond to the conditions around them.

So if your garden is looking a little autumnal already, don't assume summer is over. Those early falling leaves may simply be your trees telling you that this year's heat and dryness have taken their toll.