Across the UK, autumn looks to have come early this year with many leaves turning brown and falling during August’s drought. But this apparent seasonal confusion is a defensive reaction to conserve water.
Leaves are the tree’s lungs. They are covered with tiny pores called stomata that take in carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen. The pores provide a large surface area that makes them highly efficient but can be a liability in hot, dry conditions, as it increases the rate of moisture loss from evaporation.
