If you have found yourself wondering why your tree is dropping leaves during the summer, you’re in the right place.
In the cycle of a usual year, we expect plenty of colorful leaves in the fall. However, seeing a lot of yellow or brown foliage in mid-July could be alarming. If you have found yourself wondering why your tree is dropping leaves during the summer, you are not alone. In Maryland, extreme humidity followed by dry spells creates a perfect storm of environmental stressors that could cause even the most established trees to shed before they should. At Harford Tree, we treat summer leaf drop as the tree’s main way of communication. Understanding why your tree is dropping leaves during the summer is the first step for figuring out if your tree is in a temporary slump or a bad decline. You’re in the right place to learn about why your tree’s leaves are dropping this summer.
Drought Stress and Survival Shedding
A common answer to why your trees are dropping leaves this summer is simple: your tree is thirsty. Trees lose so much water through their leaves through transpiration. When the Maryland ground becomes dry and baked by the sun, a tree can no longer pull enough moisture to sustain the entire canopy. To survive, a tree will undergo a “survival shed.” By dropping a portion of leaves, the tree will reduce its total surface area, thereby slowing down the loss of water. You will usually see this in species like birches or yellow poplars, which might drop up to 25% of their leaves to stay alive in a heatwave. This is basically a tree’s way of getting a water diet.
Pest Infestations and Bad Insects
Sometimes the cause is not the weather, but residents living on the leaves. Summer is the best time for sucking insects like aphids, spider mites, and scale. These types of pests pierce the leaf tissue and drain out the fluids, causing the leaves to curl, yellow, and drop. If your car or patio underneath a tree is covered in a sticky substance, you likely have an insect infestation. Tiny yellow dots on your leaves indicate spider mites, which thrive in dry and hot Maryland summers. If the leaf drop is accompanied by webbing or visible insects, it is time to call a certified arborist for more targeted treatment plans.
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.