Fall can be detected in many ways; stands selling mums, a warm cinnamon smell, and the color change in leaves! But just like the release of the pumpkin spice, how early is too early to see these signs of fall?
- Change in color is not only a tree getting ready to shed its leaves for fall, but it may be a sign of stress
- Cause? Spider mite infestation, extreme heat, excessive water
- What it looks like: Injured foliage (visible in leaves – ie change in color), base of trunk might show signs of animals feeding , weed whips from your summer mowing. All of which leave your trees susceptible to further damage and may make it harder for them to intake water and nutrients. à color change early. May need extra water.
- What might not be visible – root destruction
- Not all injuries can be corrected but the stress might be able to be reduced with a little extra TLC
- How? Inspection from environmental specialist – BioStim, TGR, etc.
- “Though plants do not all live to be 100 or more years, we can maximize their life by paying attention to nature’s clues.”
- Use surrounding trees as a guide to see if your tree is under stress
Resources:
http://www.tcia.org/tcia/Blog_Items/2015/_Early_Fall_Color_Could_Be_Sign_of_Tree_Distress.aspx
Are your trees showing fall color too early?
Not sure? Call us!