Why Are Trees Turning Brown in Summer?

You may have noticed it yourself this year, brown, crinkled leaves littering the ground in August, giving the impression that autumn has arrived early.

But according to forestry experts, what we’re seeing isn’t the start of the new season. Instead, it’s a stress signal from our trees.

Heat and Drought Stress

The UK has just experienced one of the warmest, driest summers on record. Prolonged high temperatures, coupled with below-average rainfall, have left many trees struggling. Shallow-rooted species such as silver birch, sycamore, and field maple are particularly vulnerable, and they’ve responded by shedding leaves early to conserve water.

While it may look like autumn, this isn’t triggered by shorter daylight hours. True autumn leaf fall is usually brought on by changes in light during late September into October. What we’re seeing now is a survival mechanism.

What Can Be Done?

Unfortunately, there’s little that can be done for woodland-scale planting once the stress sets in, you can’t water an entire forest. However, for individual street trees, watering and mulching around the base can help protect them through periods of drought.

Looking ahead, experts are advising that diversifying tree planting is key. Introducing species with deeper or varied root systems can help landscapes become more resilient to future heatwaves and dry spells.

Wider Impacts

The stress doesn’t just affect the trees, it impacts the whole ecosystem. Soil quality, undergrowth, and fruiting cycles are all shifting. Anecdotally, bramble growth and blackberry crops have been unusually heavy this year, likely due to the extra sunlight earlier in the season.

Looking Forward

For now, the best course is to monitor and learn. The full effects of this year’s heat stress won’t be known until further studies are carried out, but it’s clear that our trees are already showing us the pressures of a changing climate.

At Beechwood, we’re committed to helping landscapes adapt, through responsible tree care, planned management, and resilient planting for the future.

If you need any advice on your trees please contact us: office@beechwoodtrees.co.uk, or fill in the form: https://www.beechwoodtrees.co.uk/contact