Early Leaf Fall Not A Threat To Leaf Peepers

By Nancy K. Crevier

There is nothing like shuffling through a pile of dry, crunchy leaves on a crisp autumn morning, and taking in the glory of the first rosy hues of maples showing their true colors. But what does it mean when it is only the end of August and leaves are beginning to pile up at the side of the road, and treetops are beginning to redden?

“In thin soil areas, like Newtown, we are seeing some early leaf fall, especially with the birch trees,” said Christopher Martin, director of the Department of Forestry for the State of Connecticut. The hot, dry summer has been hard on trees growing in areas that offer less than a foot of soil on top of dry rock. Because birch trees are what Mr Martin calls “opportunistic,” meaning they are able to take root in less favorable conditions, they are often the trees sprouting from thin soil areas. That leaves them in jeopardy during a dry year, more so than the oaks and maples that are apt to be growing in soils that allow the roots to tap down further for water.

Ash trees have also been shedding their leaves by the bushel this month, but that has been an ongoing problem for several years, said Mr Martin, and has only been exacerbated by the dry spell. “Ash have been prematurely turning color, with no known cause behind it. It is not a new phenomenon,” he said.

Nor should there be too much concern about trees sporting crowns of red so early in the season. “Typically,” said Mr Martin, “red maples growing in swampy areas or in low lands tend to turn red earlier than others. Roadside stresses can also make these maples turn early.”

The recent rains should mitigate any problems caused by the drought earlier this summer, said Mr Martin, and while foliage season may start a bit earlier, Connecticut residents will not see a negative impact from any early loss of leaves. “Most of the state peaks right around Columbus Day weekend,” he said, “and the dry summer shouldn’t have a big effect on the foliage season. It should be just as wonderful as always.”

Bob Eckenrode, Newtown Forest Association president, agrees as to why Newtown is seeing a plethora of fallen leaves, and how it will affect leaf peeping in the coming weeks. “Trees that are otherwise stressed and/or on very dry sites may simply not be able to take up enough water to keep all their leaves alive, so they shut down early,” explained Mr Eckenrode, adding, “This rain will help. If we get good rain in the next month it might have no discernable effect.”

As people make time to admire the beauty of the autumn leaves, though, Mr Martin noted that it is also a great time of year to inspect trees for insect infestation, especially that of the Asian longhorn beetle and the emerald ash borer. (See related story in this week’s issue of The Newtown Bee.) “Look for crown die-back and bark sloughing off, and any sign of holes bored into the trunks,” he warned. “This time of year, when people are aware of the trees, is a good opportunity for the Department of Forestry to get more eyes out there.”

To report suspected insect infestation, visit www.aphis.usda.gov or CAES.StateEntomologist@ct.gov.; or call 203-974-8474 or 203-974-8485.