Is it normal for my tree to lose leaves in summer?

It is usually a sign of heat or water stress. Ensure you are watering deeply to reach the deep roots.

Will my tree grow its leaves back?

If the stress is corrected, the tree will often push out new foliage. Be patient and keep the care consistent.

Persian silk tree: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
Check if the tree was recently planted or moved.
Examine the leaves for signs of pests like spider mites.

Likely causes

Drought stress
Most likely
How to tell: Leaves turn brittle and fall off during hot, dry spells. The soil will be cracked and very dry to the touch.
What to do: Give the tree a deep soaking once a week during extreme heat. Apply a 2 inch layer of mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture.
Transplant shock
Possible
How to tell: The tree drops leaves shortly after being moved or planted. The branches remain flexible and green underneath the bark.
What to do: Keep the tree consistently watered but not soggy while it establishes. Avoid fertilizing until you see new growth appearing.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your persian silk tree

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Minor leaf drop during a heatwave is common, but total defoliation is serious. If the tree loses all its leaves in mid-summer, it is under severe stress.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule of every 7 to 14 days. Mulch the root zone to keep the soil temperature stable.

Persian silk tree: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your persian silk tree and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Is it normal for my tree to lose leaves in summer?: It is usually a sign of heat or water stress. Ensure you are watering deeply to reach the deep roots.
Will my tree grow its leaves back?: If the stress is corrected, the tree will often push out new foliage. Be patient and keep the care consistent.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my Persian silk tree dropping its leaves?