Happy Friday, <<First Name>>!

It is hard to believe today is the first day of our winter contracts. I have been getting a lot of questions about the leaves hanging on so long this year. It is pretty crazy!!

In recent years, about half of the leaves come down by November 1st. This year, ash, honey locusts and hackberry leaves have fallen but the oaks, maples and most shrubs are holding on strong.

All plants react differently to weather and climate conditions but there are a few reasons for this late drop of leaves in 2013:

• Long spring: We had a very wet, long-lasting spring this year delaying most plant materials. (My parents are far from finishing harvest in NW Iowa. In 2012, they were done the 3rd week of October.)
• Precipitation: Our nice, wet fall has kept the leaves from drying out as much as usual. It has also replenished the soil moisture we lost this summer in our dry spell. (This is very good for plants you installed this year and for evergreens.)
• Late fall freeze: Our first hard freeze was about 2 weeks late in Greater MSP this year. Many trees do not start the natural process of winding down for the season until they experience a frost or freeze. (Some respond to the reduced day length to start their fall shutdown.)

Thank you and have a great day!

Brad

PS: Check out my blog post with Your checklist for fall and some tips for improving your specs to handle late falls like this.