Dealing with Stressed Out Plants and Early Leaf Color Change Additionally, a nitrogen deficiency may be present. In the case of tree leaves turning partially red too early, especially in maples, branch dieback is often to blame. Rather than feeding on other leaves, many will move on in search of a better food source. These insects have evolved with these trees and shrubs, and understand that when the chemical process behind the leaves changing color begins, their meal ticket ends. Many biologists believe that an early color change is an attempt of a tree to rid itself of insect pests, especially those that feed on the juices in the cells. This can happen when the tree starts to prepare itself for winter, or it can happen when the tree or shrub perceives a threat to its well-being. Your tree’s leaves start to change colors, even under normal conditions, due to a lack of chlorophyll. When your tree is so stressed from something in its environment that it starts to change colors, you’re witnessing a last stand of sorts.

Early leaf color change is a signal of stress and you should treat it like a giant neon distress sign. If you notice tree leaves turning early, there’s a good chance that something is very wrong with your tree’s situation. The brilliant colors of fall are a beautiful and eagerly-awaited marking of time, but when those leaves should be green because it’s still August, it’s time to start asking some questions.

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