The trees are already losing their leaves this summer: here are the reasons for this “false autumn”

“Imagine someone who transpires a lot but cannot drink. Nevertheless, To avoid dehydration. However, the tree sacrifices part of its leaves,” said the Flemish daily Het Laatste Nieuws the scientific journalist Martijn Peters.

A localized phenomenon – Trees already losing their leaves

However, the phenomenon remains located. Meanwhile, The resistance of the drought trees depends on the type of soil. the age of the forest, the type of trees and the size of the forest, continues Hln.

Beech. lime trees, pedunculated oaks and wart birch are among the species most affected by these increasingly long periods of drought. “Trees are capable of overcoming temporary episodes of stress. recovering once the period has passed,” said the Natuurpunt environmental organization in Belga.

On the other hand, the succession of these periods, without sufficient recovery time, can be harmful. “Trees that trees already losing their leaves have resisted several droughts may not survive the next one,” warns Natuurpunt.

Forests resist better thanks to a fresher and humid microclimate, which promotes the survival of trees.

A drought in 3 points

The summer of 2025 is distinguished by a drought with three faces, reports Hln.

On the meteorological planthe beginning of June was particularly dry, before July brought back precipitation close to normal, with 80.6 mm raised against 76.9 mm usually.

However. this situation had repercussions on the agricultural sector : the combination of the rainfall deficit and a strong evaporation, accentuated by heat, the sun, the wind and a weak humidity, has put cultures to the test.

Of hydrological sidethe consequences are also worrying: on August 3. 2025, 45 %of the surveillance sites for tablecloths and watercourses displayed a low groundwater level (31 %) to very trees already losing their leaves low (14 %)!

Fall colors: more lively and longer?

Contrary to appearances, climate change will not make fall colors appear earlier, warns Martijn Peters in HLN, however. Research shows that “fall splendor will appear a few weeks later. but we can enjoy it longer and the colors will probably be more vivid.”