When summer is long over, the leaves of many deciduous trees, shrubs and other plants in Germany increasingly change color. However, the great play of colors doesn't last long. Soon the leaves will begin to fall
When do the first leaves start to fall in Germany?
In Germany, the first leaves usually begin to fall in mid-October, at the beginning of full autumn. However, the exact dates vary depending on the tree species, environmental conditions, weather and sunshine duration of the days.
When do the first leaves fall from the trees?
The first leaves usually begin to fall in autumn at the beginning of full autumn aroundmid-October. The date is October 16th. Of course, not all trees adhere to this, because every tree reacts differently to its environment or to the gradually falling temperatures and the shortening day length. In addition, the weather and the length of sunshine days vary from year to year.
How long does it take for the discolored leaves to fall off?
Leaf fall begins on averagetwo weeks after the leaves change color. However, there are some exceptions that can keep their colorful foliage for even longer. There are also plants whose leaves do not change color in autumn. Its leaves are evergreen. These include, for example, ivy, cherry laurel, boxwood and holly.
How has leaf fall changed over time
Since the winters in recent years are usually much milder than before, the deciduous trees are losing their leaveslater. As a result, leaf fall increases towards the end of October. Some trees don't even drop their leaves until November.
When do conifers shed their needles?
The majority of conifers only shed individual needles throughout theyear. The needles remain on the trees throughout the winter because they are evergreen. Only the old needles are thrown off. New specimens are emerging in their place.
The larch is an exception because it sheds all of its needles every year. First it turns yellow in winter and then falls off.
Why do the leaves fall from the trees?
Leaf fall is aprotection mechanism of trees. The decreasing day length and frost cause the trees to separate their leaves from the remaining parts of the plant. The leaf stalks are closed so that nutrients can no longer penetrate the leaves. At the same time, chlorophyll is broken down and the leaves become discolored, as the other pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins now emerge. They make the leaves look yellow, orange and red in fall. When the leaves finally fall, they decompose into soil.
Why do some trees shed their leaves in summer?
Due toheatanddrought, many deciduous trees come under stress and shed leaves due to the lack of water in the soil. It is often linden and birch trees that lose their leaves in summer. Due to the drought, you can also observe fruit fall on many trees.
Trees rarely shed their leaves in summer due to moisture in the ground, diseases, pests (often in the case of horse chestnuts) or even pollutants in the air.
Tip
Beeches and oaks are not sick, but patient
Don't be surprised if common beech, hornbeam and oak simply don't lose their already brown leaves in autumn and winter. They usually keep their foliage until spring. The old leaves only fall off when new growth occurs.
