It’s usually a welcome sight when the trees turn colors. After all, it’s time to bust out the sweaters, the spiced lattes, and the cute knitted mittens! For some who hesitate to call tree services in Collierville, TN, they instead grab the heavy-duty gloves, leaf blower, and rake.
Either way, you may not know what to do with a pile of brown leaves in the middle of summer or even sooner. Why are your tree leaves turning brown so early?
Reasons Tree Leaves Turn Brown Early
Here, we’ll list a few reasons why tree leaves dry out before fall and how to prevent premature leaf browning. For anything you don’t feel comfortable addressing on your own, don’t hesitate to call us at (901) 833-8242.
Transplant Shock
Trees are living things. Just as we may experience culture or climate shock, they can experience transplant shock as they learn to adjust to new soil conditions. These sudden changes can cause tree stress and early leaf discoloration, but they shouldn’t be permanent.
With proper watering and some patience, alongside ample space for the roots to spread properly, the tree should be able to adapt. Then, the new, budding leaves will grow in a fresh, bright green.
Compacted Soil
New trees often come in compact pots with a root ball. Did whoever planted the tree remember to loosen the soil around the roots? If not, are your tree leaves turning brown?
That may be the reason.
The root ball and the soil you plant the tree into should be loose and airy enough for water to flow through. This gives the roots room to expand and grip into the ground.
If your yard has naturally compact soil or clay, you can add organic material, like mulch, to the area. Based on the size of the tree and how much space it needs, you may need to call an arborist to help with heavy-duty machinery.
Frost Damage
Although climate change has made leaf color timing a little more unpredictable, you can generally expect green in the spring. One of the main causes of leaf browning before autumn, coming off winter, is frost damage.
Some of the roots may have died during the winter, despite the tree being dormant, causing poor energy circulation. When the tree produces leaves in the spring, there may not be enough internal reserves to maintain all the leaves.
Frost damage shouldn’t be a permanent concern, and most trees recover on their own. However, you can also cover the tree base with burlap during winter to keep the ground warmer, protecting the roots.
Stop Unwanted Leaf Browning Today
We know a few other reasons tree leaves turning brown could bother you, from fungi to pest infestations. The arborists at Spruce Up Tree Care can review and diagnose your tree woes, including peeling bark, understanding bumps on leaves, and more.
Contact us to schedule a free, no-hassle consultation with one of our expert tree doctors today.
