Menu

Our Reviews
Ashley Langridge
google

I had a large oak tree taken down near power lines and an outdoor kitchen. I was well informed about the work they were going to do and how long it should take. The team was professional, fast and dropped the tree safely. They used a bucket truck and climber to trim branches from the top half of the tree with no damage to the yard around the tree.  I am extremely pleased with Driscoll Tree service work.

Gretta Michaels
google

This is the second time using Driscoll, and we are pleased with the service. Michael is knowledgeable and punctual. We had eight trees trimmed, and they left no traces of the work in our yard. Polite workers. Reasonably priced as well. Highly recommend.

Schedule

Tree Removal Services Today

Get Appointment
sideimage

How to Manage Fallen Tree Leaves in Your Yard

We've got all four seasons here in the Metro Atlanta area, but the seasons like to blur their lines. One minute it’s spring; the next it’s 90 degrees with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. While we typically associate falling leaves with crisp autumn mornings, you may notice something odd: leaves starting to fall in the middle of summer.

secondary

No, your trees aren’t just confused (well, maybe a little). Premature leaf drop happens - and it can be a sign that your trees need some attention. Whether your yard looks more like October than May, or you’re just planning ahead for peak leaf season, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the cleanup curve.

In this brief article brought to you by the tree service professionals at Driscoll Tree Service, we explore why leaves might fall early, how to manage them throughout the summer and fall, and why partnering with a trusted expert from Driscoll can save you time and energy.

Why Are Leaves Falling in the Summer?

secondary

It’s not just your imagination. Some trees can begin shedding leaves early due to:

  • Drought stress: During hot dry stretches, trees will drop leaves to conserve water and protect themselves.
  • Pest infestations: Boring insects or fungal diseases can trigger a tree's defensive response of shedding leaves.
  • Root damage or compacted soil: A tree that struggles to take in water and nutrients may “panic-shed” its foliage.
  • Natural shedding cycles: Some trees (like river birch or sycamore) regularly drop leaves and bark in summer as part of their natural cycle.

While a little early leaf drop isn’t always a red flag, excessive shedding or accompanying symptoms - like browning leaves, brittle branches, or visible fungi - may signal a more serious issue. You'll have to evaluate your trees’ health and identify stressors to prevent decline.

Whether it’s a few stray leaves or the full autumn avalanche, staying on top of leaf cleanup keeps your yard healthy and safe. Here’s how to manage it wisely.

Don’t Wait Until Fall

Leaves fallen in the summer are nothing to brush off. Leaves left to build up on your lawn can block sunlight from, trap moisture upon, and suffocate your grass - especially in humid Atlanta summers. A quick weekly rake or blower helps prevent mold, weeds, and bare patches. Plus, it’s a lot easier to manage smaller weekly piles than one huge mess later.

Mulch What You Can

If your mower has a mulching feature, then put it to good use. Chopped-up leaves return nutrients to the soil, improve moisture retention, and save you from tedious bagging. Just make sure the layer isn’t too thick... smothering your grass defeats the purpose.

Use Leaves as Compost or Garden Mulch

Leaf piles can be a goldmine for your garden. Add them to your compost bin, or layer them around shrubs and flower beds for natural insulation. Just be sure the leaves are dry and disease-free. Wet and moldy leaves can invite pests and rot.

Clear Gutters and Drainage Areas Early

Don't let leaves clog gutters, drains, or downspouts. During summer storms, blocked water flow can cause roof leaks, foundation problems, and slippery walkways. Clearing those now can save you a headache when fall storms (and leaves) arrive in full force.

Prune Strategically to Reduce Future Leaf Load

Want fewer leaves to manage later in the fall? Now’s the time to trim back overgrowth, remove dead branches, and shape trees for better airflow and growth. Professional service will not only reduce future leaf drop but also improve your trees’ structure, safety, and long-term health.

When to Call the Pros at Driscoll

If your trees are dropping leaves in large swathes, showing signs of distress, or dangling heavy limbs over your property or power lines, then act now. A reputable tree company like Driscoll Tree Service has you covered with a wide range of tree services, including but not limited to:

  • Tree trimming to control overgrowth
  • Tree health inspections to catch disease or drought stress early
  • Tree removal to tackle safety hazards before storm season

The uniformed professionals at Driscoll Tree Service are ready to take your call or message today. We're happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Other News

blog1
Mar 19,2026
Eco-Friendly Tree Services: What to Look For

Eco-Friendly Tree Services: What to Look For We might forget it at times, but trees are more than landscape fixtures; they anchor ecosystems, regulate temperature, improve air quality, and, frankly, increase property value over time. So, when it comes time…

Read More
blog1
Sep 19,2024
Fall Lawn and Landscape Care Tips

Fall Lawn and Landscape Care Tips As the vibrant colors of summer fade and fall begin to take over, it's essential to focus on lawn and landscape care. Fall is crucial for yard care as you prepare for the colder…

Read More
blog1
May 17,2023
Fescue vs. Bermuda Grass

Fescue vs. Bermuda Grass Do you have dry patches on your lawn? Before reseeding, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with different grasses, like fescue and Bermuda. Although these grasses grow on lawns across the country, knowing the differences can…

Read More
blog1
May 30,2025
Pruning Mistakes That Invite Pests Into Your Home

Pruning Mistakes That Invite Pests Into Your Home Proper pruning keeps trees healthy, encourages strong growth, and grabs the attention of prospective buyers and tenants. When pruning is done hastily or incorrectly, however, it can open the door to much…

Read More
blog1
May 22,2025
Top Signs You Need an Arborist to Inspect Your Trees

Top Signs You Need an Arborist to Inspect Your Trees Most of us love the trees on our property because they offer shade, beauty, privacy, and even fruit in some cases! Despite our appreciation, how well do we really understand…

Read More
blog1
Sep 19,2023
4 Ways to Fill the Empty Space Where a Tree Was

4 Ways to Fill the Empty Space Where a Tree Was When a tree is removed from your yard, it can leave a space that can be challenging to fill. Fortunately, various creative and functional ways exist to fill that…

Read More
blog1
May 14,2025
Are Exposed Tree Roots Bad?

Are Exposed Tree Roots Bad? Exposed tree roots might look like an enchanting natural feature, but those gnarled “wooden serpents” at your feet are more than just a quirky accent of your tree. In fact, roots surfacing above the soil…

Read More
blog1
Jun 05,2025
How To Reduce Heat Stress On Trees

How To Reduce Heat Stress On Trees With summer right around the corner, many of us are gearing up for pool days, vacations, cookouts, and stocking up on sunscreen. Amid all this seasonal preparation, however, there's one important part of…

Read More
blog1
May 31,2024
Should You Worry About Lichen on Trees?

Should You Worry About Lichen on Trees? Lichens are fascinating and often misunderstood. When homeowners notice these growths on the bark of trees, it raises concerns about the health of their yard. If you notice lichens on your trees, consult…

Read More
blog1
Jun 06,2024
Identifying and Removing Hazardous Trees

Identifying and Removing Hazardous Trees Trees add beauty to your premises and improve the overall quality of the environment. While these magnificent entities provide many benefits, detecting and addressing risks posed by hazardous trees is advisable. Whether a tree is…

Read More