If your trees and shrubs haven’t looked quite right lately, you’re not alone.
Across New Jersey, homeowners are noticing brown leaves, thinning canopies, premature leaf drop, branch dieback, and other signs of decline. While insects and diseases are often the first things people suspect, many of the issues we’re seeing this year can be traced back to two major environmental stressors: the late spring freeze and ongoing drought conditions.
For many trees and shrubs, it’s not one event causing problems. It’s the combination of both.
A Challenging Year for Trees and Shrubs
This growing season got off to an unusual start when much of New Jersey experienced a late spring freeze after many trees and shrubs had already begun producing new growth.
Tender leaves and shoots that emerged during warmer weather were suddenly exposed to freezing temperatures. In many cases, that new growth was damaged, forcing plants to use stored energy reserves to produce replacement foliage.
At the same time, New Jersey was already experiencing prolonged drought conditions. The state entered a drought watch in October 2025, which escalated to a drought warning in December. Many landscapes entered the 2026 growing season already dealing with a significant moisture deficit.
As a result, trees and shrubs have spent much of the year recovering from freeze damage while also coping with limited soil moisture and increasing summer temperatures.
Why Symptoms Are Appearing Now
One of the most confusing aspects of tree stress is that symptoms often don’t appear immediately.
A tree that experienced freeze damage in spring may have looked relatively healthy for weeks afterward. Likewise, drought stress can take time to become visible, particularly in mature trees with established root systems.
As summer progresses, the cumulative effects of these stresses become more apparent. Common symptoms include:
- Brown or scorched leaves
- Premature leaf drop
- Thinning canopies
- Dead twigs and branch dieback
- Early fall color
- Reduced growth
In many cases, trees that used stored energy to recover from freeze damage are now dealing with prolonged dry conditions, making symptoms more noticeable as the season continues.
Not Every Brown Leaf Means a Tree Is Dying
One of the most common questions we hear is whether a stressed tree can recover. Fortunately, many trees and shrubs are remarkably resilient. A few brown leaves, some early leaf drop, or a thinner-than-normal canopy does not necessarily mean a tree is dying. Many plants can recover when environmental conditions improve.
However, stress can make trees more vulnerable to other issues. When a tree is already struggling, it may become more susceptible to insect activity, disease, or additional environmental challenges. That’s why it’s important to identify what’s actually causing the symptoms before assuming the worst.
What Homeowners Can Do
While we can’t control the weather, there are several steps homeowners can take to help reduce stress on trees and shrubs.
Water Wisely
Trees and shrubs benefit from slow, deep watering that allows moisture to reach the root zone. A rain gauge can help you track how much rainfall your property is actually receiving so you can make more informed watering decisions. This is especially important for newly planted trees and plants already showing signs of stress.
Newly planted trees are often the most vulnerable during drought conditions because their root systems have not yet fully established. Even trees planted within the last few years may require supplemental watering during extended dry periods.
Maintain Proper Mulch
A two-to-three-inch layer of mulch can help conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, which can create additional problems.
Monitor for Changes
Keep an eye on browning leaves, thinning canopies, dead branches, or other changes in appearance. If symptoms continue to worsen, a professional evaluation may be warranted.
Avoid Additional Stress
Limit excessive pruning of live branches during periods of drought stress and avoid damaging roots through excavation or construction activities.
When Trees Need Additional Support
Our arborists and plant health care technicians continue to see the lingering effects of this year’s late spring freeze, with drought conditions and summer heat adding further stress to many trees and shrubs.
Some trees are likely to recover with time and proper care, while others may need a professional evaluation to determine whether environmental stress, insects, disease, or a combination of factors is involved.
While proper watering and cultural care are often the first line of defense, some trees may benefit from additional support during periods of prolonged stress. Depending on the tree and its symptoms, treatments such as deep root care, soil amendments, or tree injections may be recommended.
If you’ve noticed browning leaves, thinning canopies, branch dieback, or other signs of decline, Aspen Tree and Turf’s ISA Certified Arborists®, NJ Licensed Tree Experts, and plant health care technicians can help determine what’s happening and recommend the next steps.