Storms threaten vibrant autumn leaves across the UK
- A damp year is expected to cause trees to retain their leaves longer, leading to vibrant autumn displays.
- The National Trust warns that this situation increases the risk of storm damage as trees are more susceptible when fully leafed.
- Many trees are under stress due to previous droughts followed by a waterlogged spring, which could exacerbate the impact of storms.
In the UK, the National Trust has reported that a damp year is likely to result in trees retaining their leaves longer than usual. This phenomenon could lead to particularly vibrant displays of autumn foliage. However, the organization has raised concerns about the increased risk of storm damage due to the trees being in full leaf, which makes them more susceptible to wind. The National Trust's senior national consultant for trees and woodland, Luke Barley, highlighted that many trees are currently under stress. This stress is attributed to the combination of droughts experienced in previous summers followed by a waterlogged spring, which has adversely affected the trees' root systems. The charity emphasizes the importance of managing both woods and ancient trees to mitigate the potential impact of storms during this vulnerable period. As the trees remain fully leafed, the risk of damage from storms is heightened, posing a threat to both the trees and the surrounding environment.