Trees in the Foothills are showing signs of fall and the wear and tear the dry weather has had on the region.

They began yellowing around mid to late August, leaving many to wonder whether if it was from the drought like conditions or if fall was creeping in early.

Gordon White, urban forester with the Town of Okotoks, says the leaf drop and yellowing is largely due to lack of moisture.

"Some trees have lost their leaves now for the last few weeks and that was more drought induced so the trees have essentially gone dormant early and, provided we get adequate moisture in the spring, we hope those trees will leaf out as they normally would."

White says the leaf drop due to drought stress is a way for trees to attempt to conserve water and survive the winter.

While deciduous trees are most likely in a dormant state, there's still a way to help with conifers.

"Conifers are more at risk of drying out over the winter as a result of chinooks and such," White explains. "So your conifers, spruce, pine, and fir if you have those, should get a good drink before the ground freezes up so there's some moisture in the ground over the winter."

White recommends using mulch on trees to help them retain moisture.

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