REDDING, Calif. — Leaves turning yellow earlier than usual in parts of Northern California may be a sign of climate change, according to experts. This phenomenon, typically associated with the arrival of autumn, is occurring prematurely this year, raising concerns about environmental stress on trees.
Experts have noted that the early color change in leaves can indicate irregular seasons and stress due to environmental changes. Trees often slow their growth, nearly shutting down until cooler nights or rain return. However, this stress is not limited to Redding; trees across the country are experiencing similar conditions due to extreme weather.
Over the past decade, Northern California has endured repeated droughts, followed by atmospheric rivers and extreme storms, leaving trees weakened and vulnerable.
“There seems to be an early fall onslaught… the sycamores are starting to yellow out,” said Lance Richars, the lead arborist at Redding Tree Service.
Tchukki Anderson, the staff arborist for the Tree Care Industry Association, said, “So the long-term effect of environmental stress is what you’re kind of seeing now in Northern California a little bit… some detrimental health conditions for the tree… the leaf color is changing unseasonably.”
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