Noticing your tree or shrub shedding leaves outside of fall? Don’t panic—it might be a natural survival move called compensatory leaf drop.
This botanical term refers to a plant’s way of coping with stress, like drought, pests, or disease, by dropping leaves early to conserve water and energy. Think of it as a temporary retreat so the plant can regroup and survive.
What Causes It?
Common triggers include:
- Drought or water stress
- Pests or fungal disease
- Sudden weather or environment changes
- Transplant shock after moving a tree or shrub
You might see yellowing or browning leaves, wilting, or interior leaf drop, signs your plant is reallocating resources to stay alive.
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