Are the autumns we remember disappearing?

As October nears its end, some people are questioning why the autumn they remember seems to be fading, with leaves still on branches and patches of green lingering. Following one of the hottest and driest summers on record, experts warned some trees experienced a “false autumn,” dropping leaves early to conserve water rather than following the gradual seasonal process that produces vivid reds and golds. Wildlife photographer Sharon Levi, from Droitwich in Worcestershire, said colors were slower to emerge, citing silver birches losing leaves during summer heat. Ecologist Prof Dan Bebber of the University of Exeter explained deciduous trees shed leaves to conserve energy as temperatures and daylight fall, but drought can force trees to “cut their losses,” leading to duller displays or early leaf drop.