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White Ash · Fraxinus americana

Why is my White Ash losing its leaves?

White Ash trees typically hold their leaves until autumn, so early shedding is a sign of stress. Check the soil moisture first to see if your tree is thirsty.

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Check these first

  1. Feel the soil 4 inches down to check for dryness.
  2. Examine fallen leaves for dark spots or fungal growth.
  3. Check the weather history for recent heat waves.

Likely causes

  1. Drought Stress

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves will turn dry and brittle before falling off during a hot, dry summer. The soil around the base will feel hard and cracked.

    What to do: Water the tree deeply once every 7 to 14 days during dry spells. Ensure the water reaches 12 inches deep into the soil to support the roots.

  2. Anthracnose

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see brown or black spots on the leaves followed by premature drop. This often happens during a cool, wet spring.

    What to do: Rake up and dispose of all fallen leaves to stop the fungus from overwintering. Keep the area around the tree clean to reduce spore spread.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your white ash

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.

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When to worry

If the tree loses most of its leaves in midsummer, it is a sign of severe stress. A few leaves dropping during a heat wave is normal.

Stopping it coming back

Apply a 3 inch layer of wood mulch around the base to keep the roots cool and moist. Avoid wetting the leaves when you water the tree.

White Ash: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your white ash 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.

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Questions people ask

Is it normal for my tree to drop leaves in August?
No, that is usually a sign of drought. Give it a deep soak and monitor the remaining leaves.
Should I fertilize a tree that is losing leaves?
No, do not fertilize a stressed tree. Wait until it recovers and shows new growth in the spring.

Guides to these causes

More problems with White Ash

Back to the White Ash guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.