UK drought: Why do the trees think it’s autumn already?
Getty ImagesFrom the crunch of leaves underfoot and the fiery foliage adorning the trees, you might be thinking autumn has come early.But experts say this hint of a change in the seasons isn't genuine. Instead it's the tell-tale sign of a "false autumn".They warn the heatwave and drought has pushed trees into survival mode, with leaves dropping off or changing colour as a result of stress.And some may end up dying as a result.Why we need to get used to wonky vegetablesWildlife under stress as dry spell shrinks riversSewage hits dozens of UK beaches after heavy rainGetty ImagesAuburn leaves and early leaf fall are both signs that trees are stressed and "shutting up shop", says Leigh Hunt, senior horticultural advisor at the Royal Horticultural Society."It's giving the appearance that we're...
