Why August feels autumnal: Experts predict a muted fall color display

Despite it being August, some regions are experiencing weather that evokes a sense of autumn, complete with falling leaves and the characteristic scent of the season. This phenomenon, however, is not an indication that fall has arrived prematurely.

According to garden expert Marc Verachtert, plants are shedding their leaves as a defense mechanism against intense heat and drought. "Plants let their leaves fall now to protect themselves against heat and drought," Verachtert explained. This process is a way for trees and shrubs to conserve moisture when the roots cannot absorb enough water to meet the high evaporation rates from the leaves, especially during prolonged dry spells.

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Plants let their leaves fall now to protect themselves against heat and drought.

While this early leaf fall might resemble autumn, it is not the season itself. Verachtert noted that this early shedding has been observed in previous summers. Trees and shrubs have an advantage as they can shed leaves and still have reserve buds, from which new branches, leaves, or flowers can grow. If they receive sufficient moisture and maintain adequate temperatures, they might even sprout new growth later in the year.

However, perennial plants in gardens face a different situation. These plants typically die back above ground in autumn, only to regrow in spring. Plants like hostas, phlox, Japanese anemones, and meadowsweet are currently appearing withered and scorched. Unlike trees and shrubs, they lack the ability to regrow lost foliage this season. Verachtert expressed a hope that trees and shrubs would not sprout new growth, suggesting it might be detrimental if followed by frost.

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We will have to miss the typical splendor of colors this year.