Breaking News:

WEATHER

Why are so many trees still full of leaves?

Nov 19, 2024, 1:00 PM | Updated: Nov 21, 2024, 1:23 pm

Above average temperatures in fall...

Calyx, left, and Riley sit outside and enjoy the warm fall weather at Reservoir Park in Salt Lake City on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (Megan Nielsen, Deseret News)

(Megan Nielsen, Deseret News)

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. 

Related: Time to winterize your gas-powered garden equipment

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Weather

This week's freezing temperatures followed by lots of moisture and warmer temperatures could cause ...

Britt Johnson

Recent warmer temperatures could lead to high flooding potential

This week's freezing temperatures followed by lots of moisture and warmer temperatures could cause some flooding.

2 days ago

A screenshot of a UDOT traffic camera on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (UDOT)...

Jacob Freeman

I-15 closes in Pleasant View as storm wreaks havoc on Utah roads

UDOT said southbound I-15 was closed at milepost 350 at approximately 1:30 p.m., and that all southbound traffic must exit at 2700 North.

3 days ago

Motorists drive through falling snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Feb. 7. Many holiday travelers ...

BRIAN CARLSON

Troopers urge caution to holiday travelers as winter storms move in

Many drivers expected to take Interstate 15 are headed through one of Utah's dangerous trouble spots.

4 days ago

A screenshot of a UDOT traffic camera on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (UDOT)...

Simone Seikaly

Winter storm making its move across northern Utah

Utah's latest winter storm is expected to bring as much as three feet of snow to the northern mountains.

4 days ago

Officials from the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District said integrating more water from groundwa...

Heather Peterson

Chlorine smell and taste still plaguing Weber Basin water users

Two weekends ago, the rain that hit the frozen Wasatch Back brought naturally-occurring organic materials into the Weber Basin Watershed.

5 days ago

A screenshot from the Utah Avalanche Center website shows the approximate location of the Monte Cri...

Mariah Maynes

Monte Cristo Avalanche report details slide that killed one

A report published by Utah Avalanche Center revealed the details of the Monte Cristo avalanche, which killed one snowmobiler on Feb. 3.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Why are so many trees still full of leaves?