The change in seasons brings about various changes in trees as well. When seasons change from summer to autumn, for example, many vivid green trees give way to bright reds, yellows, and oranges. Before long, the leaves drop, leaving most trees bare.
While deciduous trees usually lose their leaves in autumn, what happens when they drop their leaves in spring or summer? As a top-rated certified arborist in Panama, FL, the experts at Tri-State Tree Service discuss leaf drop and answer the question, “Why do leaves fall off trees?”
Leaf Drop in Autumn
Leaves lose their leaves in autumn for various reasons:
- To reduce energy expenditure through the harsh winter
- To put less strain on the tree during winter storms by allowing wind to blow through the branches
- To conserve moisture within the trunk and keep the tree from drying out
How It Happens
In the spring, trees form a layer of cells (abscission layer) where a leaf grows out from a branch. During the growing season, this layer allows the flow of energy from the leaves to the branch and trunk for storage.
In autumn, chlorophyll production stops, and hormone levels destabilize, putting a strain on the abscission layer and weakening the bond between the leaf and branch. Once the joint gets weak enough, the wind effortlessly blows the leaf away.
Leaf Drop in Spring or Summer
Trees losing their leaves in the spring or summer almost always points to an issue that needs attention. So, why do leaves fall off trees outside of fall? Common culprits of spring and summer leaf drop include:
- Drought
- Overwatering
- Pests and diseases
Since many of the symptoms of various pests, diseases, and even environmental stressors mimic one another, you want to hire a professional to inspect your tree and make a proper diagnosis. Finding the root cause of the problem will help you put the right solution into place sooner rather than later.
Proactive Tree Care
If you want the best for your trees, choose a proactive approach to plant health care. A healthy tree will have an easier time fighting off pests, diseases, and environmental stressors than an unhealthy one.
Similarly, a proactive plant health care program will ensure you have healthy trees that are less likely to suffer from premature leaf drop.
Choose a tree care partner willing to do everything they can to take care of your trees. That way, you’ll have peace of mind and worry less about spring or summer leaf drop.
Trust Your Local Tree Service
At Tri-State Tree Service, we’ve served our customers for over 30 years, earning a reputation for excellence. Our customers count on us for the following premier tree services:
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Tree removal
- Emergency services and storm cleanup
- Stump grinding and root removal
Call Tri-State Tree Service at (850) 876-8003 to request a free estimate for tree service in the Pensacola, Florida area. Get in touch with us for information about a tree health evaluation or for more answers to the question, “Why do leaves fall off trees?”
