Experts are warning gardeners about this year’s ‘false autumn’ – and say these 3 tips will keep your plants healthy

Green grass lawn surrounded by planted border and topiary trees, in front of pergola with climbing plants.

Pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween decorations in the shops all herald the arrival of autumn, but so do orange, fallen leaves – so why are we seeing them already?

Well, experts are calling it a ‘false autumn’ – and it’s all down to the extreme weather we’ve seen this summer. Heatwaves and drought conditions have prompted trees and plants to shed their leaves prematurely, even though we haven’t quite reached ‘official’ autumn yet.