A stretch of hot, dry weeks is starting to show up in the canopy across Englewood, Denver, and Littleton. Aspens and cottonwoods in particular are dropping leaves early this year, sometimes weeks ahead of a normal fall color change, and yellowing before they've had a chance to turn.
Early leaf drop is usually a stress response, not a disease on its own, but it's worth paying attention to. A tree that's been pushed hard by heat and dry soil all summer heads into winter with less stored energy, which can make it more vulnerable to cold damage or pests next year.
A deep, slow watering at the drip line through early fall can make a real difference for a stressed aspen or cottonwood, especially on properties without much natural shade or irrigation coverage.
If a tree on your property is dropping leaves earlier than the rest of the yard, it's worth a second look before the ground freezes.
A photo of an aspen or cottonwood showing early yellowing or thin canopy against a Denver metro backdrop, or a technician checking soil moisture at a tree's drip line.
Canva text suggestion: "Leaves Dropping Early This Year?" or "Late-Summer Heat Stress on Front Range Trees"