Veluwezoom trees shed leaves early due to drought

Trees in the Veluwezoom region are prematurely shedding their leaves due to prolonged heat and drought. While the forest appears to be in autumn, the discoloration is actually a stress response intended to protect the trees by reducing water evaporation.

Natuurmonumenten officials report that even beech trees, which typically have deep roots to access groundwater, are losing their leaves. While a single dry summer is not fatal, experts express significant concern regarding the long-term health of the forest if these conditions persist annually.

The environmental impact extends to the local ecosystem. The early loss of foliage threatens species that depend on beech leaves, such as moths that lay eggs on them, which in turn affects the food supply for birds like finches and nuthatches.