Texas Tree Authority

Facebook | Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Heat Stress Is Causing Premature Leaf Drop on San Antonio's Cedar Elms Right Now

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Cedar elms across San Antonio are dropping leaves early this month, well ahead of the normal fall timeline, and the culprit is usually prolonged heat and water stress rather than disease.

It is a defense mechanism. The tree sheds leaves to cut water loss when the ground cannot keep up with demand, which is common during a stretch of high temperatures like this one.

Most cedar elms recover on their own with consistent deep watering, but repeated stress from one hot summer to the next can weaken a tree enough to invite pests or disease later on.

Have you noticed any of your trees dropping leaves earlier than usual this year?

#SanAntonioTreeService #TreeHealth


Image / Media Suggestion

An authentic photo of a cedar elm canopy showing early yellowing or thinning leaves, or a crew member inspecting the crown of a stressed tree. Real, specific tree photos read better than generic foliage stock.

Google Drive image folder.

Canva text suggestion: "Is Your Tree Losing Leaves Too Early?" or "Heat Stress, Not Disease"


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