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Questions and Answers: 2018

Question: Hello, As a high school science teacher, I am always looking to pose natural phenomena questions to my students. I …

• Question

  Hello, As a high school science teacher, I am always looking to pose natural phenomena questions to my students. I live in New York State, on the Sullivan and Orange County border, which is about 70 Northwest on NYC. What I'm curious about is what is causing the leaves on the trees to fall without any color change? There are many sugar maple trees and all the leaves are falling in their green state. Could it be lack of sunlight due to excessive rain and cloud cover this past month?

  Answer

  Dear KaraEllen, good morning. I wish I could help you with your question, but without being present on site it will be difficult to do so. Trees lose their leaves for a variety of reason, which include Autumn season, pests, diseases, and too much or too little water. Most times, leaf loss occurs after leaves change in some way (change color, wilt, get galls, etc.), and so this provides a clue as to why the tree is losing its leaves. Green leaves falling is more of a mystery because the symptoms of leaf fall aren't associated with any clues. Sorry I can't be of more help with this, but I would suggest contacting an arborist or cooperative extension that may have more expertise with tree issues. Best wishes.