Why Are Leaves Falling Early in the UK This Year?

If you’ve noticed leaves dropping before autumn has properly arrived, you’re not alone. Across the UK, many trees are shedding leaves earlier than expected, and the main reason is weather stress, not seasonal change.

Key causes:

• Heat and drought: The hot, dry summer has put trees under pressure, forcing them to drop leaves to conserve water.

• Survival strategy: By shedding leaves, trees reduce moisture loss and protect themselves from dehydration.

• Knock-on effects: Early leaf fall and fruit ripening can disrupt food availability for birds, insects, and mammals later in the year.

In short, what looks like an early autumn is really a “false autumn” — a stress response to extreme weather. While some trees recover when rain returns, repeated hot, dry summers could have lasting effects on woodlands and wildlife.