Broadleaf Evergreens: Leafdrop

All trees drop foliage in the fall. Those that drop all of their leaves are called deciduous, while those that retain some are called evergreen. Arbor-vitae, white pines and a few other evergreens look sick in late fall because all of their two year old leaves or needles turn yellow at once and drop. Rhododendrons, mountain laurel and some other broadleaf evergreens retain their leaves for two years, which means that each fall the three year old leaves drop. If last year’s leaves begin to fall from such plants, it is an indication that they are sick.

by G Mattoon

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