What to Do For Tree Leaves That Turn Early
The brilliant fall colors are a beautiful and traditionally mark
the beginning of fall, but when those leaves start to turn in August, when they
should still be green, it is time to ask some questions. If your tree leaves
are turning color in the summer there’s likely something very wrong with your tree.
Early color changes are a stress signal that you need to equate to a giant neon
distress sign.
Early Color Foliage Changes
When something in your tree’s environment is stressing it so
much that it starts to change colors, you’re witnessing an act of desperation
on the part of your tree. It’s rather like a big flashing SOS. The leaves of
your tree will normally change color under normal conditions, because of a lack
of chlorophyll. This generally occurs when the tree begins to prepare for
winter, or it can happen when the tree perceives there is a threat to its well
being.
Numerous biologists feel an early change of color is the
tree’s attempt to get rid of insect pests, particularly those feeding on the
juices that are found in the cells. These insects have evolved with the trees so
they understand when the chemical process is for the leaves to begin to change
color, their food supply ends so instead they move to another tree in search of
a new source of food. When tree leaves turn partly red too early, branches
dying is usually the cause or there could be a nitrogen deficiency.
How to Deal with Stressed Out Plants
You need to check your tree closely for signs of injury, that
include natural cracks and lawn mower damage s. If you are going through a dry
spell are you watering regularly? Have you given your tree adequate nutrients
to grow? Is it infested with bugs? Once you know what is causing the stress you
need to address the problem.