Published 4:00 pm Monday, August 24, 2026
While pumpkin spice is in hand for some coffee drinkers, it’s still too early for the leaf colour changes spotted across the South Island landscape.
(Courtesy Starbucks)
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While pumpkin spice season is at hand for some coffee drinkers, it’s still too early for the leaf colour changes spotted across the South Island landscape.
Foliage changes early in some areas may be an indication of the stress trees are facing, primarily due to heat and drought, in Greater Victoria.
Scorch or early browning of leaves is easy
Scorch or early browning of leaves is easy to spot, says Matthew Coady, an arborist and area manager of Western Operations for Davey Tree Canada.
Leaves are green because of chlorophyll, which absorbs sunlight. A lack of water in the soil pushes the plants to prioritize other essential functions, shutting down chlorophyll and shifting energy away from photosynthesis, which correlates to dwindling chlorophyll.
The process happens more naturally as light lessens heading into fall, typically in September or October.
The solution is to water these drought-stressed trees
“The solution is to water these drought-stressed trees as frequently as possible, ideally once a week,” Coady said. “The watering of the grass, depending on the volume of water … is normally not enough to get down to the deeper absorbing roots of the trees.”
Caretakers need to target deep saturation at the drip line. It won’t remedy the early colour change and leaf drop, or re-green a tree, but will strengthen the tree.
Another option, if it’s in the budget, is a deep root fertilizer.
“I describe it as an immune system boost. which is not scientifically accurate, but it is a proactive approach,” Coady said, of the treatment Davey Tree provides. “It’s one thing I would recommend if possible.” The fertilizer targets the root system, maintaining the structure of the tree, and is ideally applied in summer to get deep saturation, lasting a year.
Generally, Coady said, any arborist is usually happy
Generally, Coady said, any arborist is usually happy to come out and have a look and build a plan, but landowners should at least keep a keen eye on their foliage themselves. A weakened tree is more prone to, and even a target for, other stressors such as pests.
“Little proactive approaches to keeping the tree healthy is always the best approach,” Coady said. “If you compound drought and infestation and any other organisms attacking it, that’s when you can have a severely stressed tree.”
Folks out watering or otherwise evaluating their trees have several autumn-inspired sipping options well ahead of the official first day of fall on Sept. 22.
The iconic pumpkin spice latte returns to Starbucks on Aug. 25, with a seasonal lineup also including other gourd-based beverages, returning pecan favourites, banana bread-inspired drinks and a new cider-inspired take on chai. Cold options for lingering summer heat include pumpkin cream cold brew and iced pumpkin cream in chai, espresso and matcha.
Source: goldstreamgazette.com
