Why are so many trees still full of leaves?

SALT LAKE CITY — Many Utah trees are still full of leaves which could be a problem if the state gets a decent snow storm.

Taun Beddes, Utah State University horticulturalist and co-host of the KSL Greenhouse Show blames the warm October for the leaves on Utah trees.

“Photosynthesis produces sugars. And the trees were like, ‘Hey let’s make more sugar because we have warm temperatures,'” said Beddes.

Additionally, the warm temperatures resulted in a less vibrant-colored fall. According to Beddes, trees usually start to absorb the energy in the leaves at this time of year which leads to the leaves changing colors and falling to the ground.

“The tree isn’t putting any more nutrients into the leaves [in cooler temperatures] and so what’s in the leaves starts to break down and we see the red and yellow colors,” said Beddes.

Ridding your trees of leaves

Leaves that have not gone through this process are still clinging to trees. Beddes said a heavy snowstorm can bring down leaf-laden branches.

To reduce the weight on the branches, clipping leaves from the trees or using a leaf blower to see if any leaves will drop off can help. 

“I’ve seen people on small trees carefully, just clip the leaves off with little snips [clippers] you would use to deadhead plants or trim roses,” said Beddes. 

Tammy Kikuchi is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio. 

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