We have received several calls to the Iowa State University Plant Disease Clinic regarding shade trees that have suddenly dropped most of their newly-developed, green leaves. Hackberry trees seem especially prone to shedding their green leaves, although oak, hickory, and many other species also have been reported to drop green leaves this time of year.
Although somewhat alarming, shedding of green leaves is a fairly common occurrence in the spring. It is most likely caused by cold springtime temperatures, and it is not usually associated with disease or insect damage. In most cases, the trees soon develop a new flush of green leaves and recover completely.
This article originally appeared in the 5/28/2004 issue.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Yard and Garden, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on May 28, 2004. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.