Spectacular autumnal scenes such as these taken in Shropshire may not materialise this year – because many trees have already lost their leaves as a result of the drought in June and July.

Ironbridge on a sunny late autumn day

That was the claim being made by Midlands-based rural watchdog, the Country Land and Business Association. The pictures were taken in Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, and next to the River Severn at Ironbridge.

The arrival of the season is usually signalled with leaves turning to red, gold and orange.

But CLA forestry advisor Mike Seville said this year many of the trees had already dropped their leaves in order to conserve energy during a prolonged dry period.

He said the contrast with last year, when woodland colours were exceptionally vivid as a result of the wet summer, would be marked as the effect of the driest start to the year since 1929 began to be noticed.

Mr Seville said: “Drought is a form of climatic stress experienced by trees, and wilting leaves is a common symptom as the water levels in the leaves reduce to an extent that they can no longer maintain their structure.

“If wilting continues then leaves will eventually die and fall off.

“Some species will also deliberately shed leaves to reduce further water loss, as leaves contain microscopic pores through which water normally evaporates as part of the tree’s normal function.”

Mr Seville said drought was not the only factor which could cause “early autumn” effects, saying it could also be caused by pests and insects.

“A common example of this is the horse chestnut, which suffers from leaf die-back from July onwards across much of England on account of the horse chestnut leaf miner insect and also the leaf blotch fungus,” he added.

But expert Ian Dudley, of forestry consultancy Lockhart Garratt, said tree owners should not be concerned.

He added: “Trees are likely to return to full vigour in the spring and it takes several dry years to have long lasting effects on all but the youngest and oldest trees.”

By Wayne Beese