Why Your Trees Are Dropping Leaves in Summer

You never expect to see your trees losing their leaves in summer. In fact, that’s when you most need the lovely shade their canopies provide.

Why are your trees dropping leaves in summer? Is it normal, or will you need to turn to a certified arborist for professional tree service in Cottage Grove, OR? Read on as we take a deep dive into what summer leaf drop means for your trees.

When Leaf Drop Is Normal

Not every case of summer leaf loss should be concerning. It is actually quite normal for some trees to shed a few leaves at this time of year.

To determine whether the leaf drop you are seeing is normal, you should check if:

The shedding is limited to your trees’ interior leaves
The shedding is light and gradual
There’s no major discoloration
New growth accompanies the shedding

Concerning Causes of Summer Leaf Drop

If you miss all the signs we’ve shared above, your trees’ summer leaf loss will indicate a much more serious issue that will require the intervention of certified arborists. Here are some of the concerning reasons why trees lose their leaves in summer.

Heat and Drought Stress

When temperatures soar and rainfall is scarce, your trees could shed their leaves to slow evaporation and conserve resources.

The same thing will happen if they have heat stress. This is because such stress forces your trees to close the pores on their leaves to retain moisture. Unfortunately, if the pores remain closed for extended periods, photosynthesis declines.

Prolonged stress can contribute to premature leaf drop.

Hydration Issues

Why are your trees dropping leaves in summer? They might be dealing with poor drainage or overwatering.

Waterlogged soil often starves your trees’ roots of oxygen, causing tree stress that can lead to leaf loss as well as yellowing leaves and fungal growth around the base of your tree.

Pest Infestation

Some pests tend to be a lot more active in the summer months and, as such, are more of a concern for your tree, especially if it is stressed. Such a tree will struggle to fight off invasive pests that disrupt nutrient flow and cause premature leaf drop.

On top of your trees’ sparse canopies, you might also notice:

Holes in leaves
Visible larvae
Sticky residue

Tree Diseases

Inspecting the leaves is a great way to determine tree health and adjust your tree’s maintenance accordingly. Do the rest of the leaves on your trees have spotting, or are they unevenly yellow? Then the reason for their leaf loss is more likely disease.

Turn to Seasoned Professionals for Help

Consulting certified professionals will be key to figuring out why your trees are dropping leaves in summer and how you can help them recover. Here at Lane Tree Doctor, we have a team of experienced professionals dedicated to providing the top-notch tree care you need to secure your trees’ longevity.