Why Is My Tree Losing Its Leaves in Summer?

Date July 22, 2022

Author TreeNewal Staff

If you’ve been outside lately and noticed that your tree is losing its leaves, you’re not alone. Many trees are dropping their leaves in the summertime for a variety of reasons. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common reasons why trees lose their leaves in the summer and what you can do about it!

Why Do Trees Lose Their Leaves?

There are many reasons why trees lose their leaves in the summer. One of the most common reasons is that they are losing moisture. When the temperature gets hot, trees will often close their pores to prevent water loss. This can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off.

Another reason why trees lose their leaves is because of pests. Insects, such as aphids and caterpillars, can feast on the leaves of a tree and cause them to drop off. If you notice that your tree is losing its leaves and there are also small holes in the leaves, it’s likely due to pests.

Finally, some trees simply lose their leaves because it’s part of their natural cycle. For example, deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall and winter because they are preparing for dormancy.

But What About Trees with No Leaves in Summer?

Oak Wilt

Considering the commonality of Oak trees, one of the most common reasons why trees lose their leaves in summer is due to Oak wilt. Oak wilt is a destructive disease that affects oak trees and can cause them to lose all their leaves within a few weeks. If you think your tree may have Oak wilt, it’s important to contact a certified arborist or tree care professional for help.

Learn more about Oak Wilt in our recent post, How to Protect Oak Trees from Oak Wilt.

Stress

Another reason your tree may be losing its leaves is that it’s stressed. Trees can become stressed for a variety of reasons, including drought, excessive heat, root damage, or nutrient deficiency. If you think your tree is stressed, try giving it some extra TLC in the form of water and fertilizer. You can also mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture.

Pests

Finally, many pests can attack our trees during the summer, and some can eat the leaves right off the tree.  The culprits are usually caterpillars or beetles, but mites can cause leaves to fall off too.  This can cause a lot of damage to the tree, as well as leaving them looking unsightly.

Losing some leaves in summer can be normal for some trees, but if you’re concerned about your tree, it’s always best to contact a certified arborist or tree care professional for help. They will be able to assess the situation and give you the best course of action.

What Can You Do About It?

If you’re concerned about your tree losing its leaves, there are a few things you can do to help.

Water

First, make sure that your tree is getting enough water. Water stress is one of the most common reasons for leaf drops, so make sure to water your tree regularly, especially during hot weather.

Insecticide

You can also try treating your tree with an insecticide if you think pests are the problem. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and only treat when necessary, as too much insecticide can be harmful to the environment.

Ensure Nutrition

Finally, if your tree is losing its leaves due to a natural cycle, there’s not much you can do about it. However, you can help your tree through the process by ensuring that it has enough water and nutrients.

Still, Concerned? Call TreeNewal!

If you have any further questions about why your tree is losing its leaves or what you can do about it, contact the certified arborists at TreeNewal. We will be able to help you determine the cause of the problem and find a solution that works best for your tree. Thanks for reading!

If you need advice or assistance with your tree mysteriously dropping its leaves, get in touch with the ISA Certified Arborists at TreeNewal and enjoy tailored tree care advice.

 

To learn more about Why Is My Tree Losing Its Leaves in Summer?, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at (817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

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