SUNBATHING in the sweltering heat might not be part of your September plans – but that doesn’t mean summer is over.
Many of us may have picked up on a noticeable change in atmosphere over the last few weeks, but autumn is still a considerable reach away.
Experts have explained the ‘false autumn’ phenomenon[/caption]
You might think it’s just down to people getting eager for Christmas, or being sick of the sticky heat.
But the real reasons are far more fascinating and explain why so many of us feel convinced autumn has already begun.
Officially, the first day of autumn begins on September 22 – still weeks away.
Despite streets being littered with brown leaves, and trees taking on a cosier look – these are actually signs of “false autumn”, experts claim.
They say that last summer, the hottest ever recorded as per the Met Office, was so scorching that plants have changed appearance too early.
Biologist Dr Mike Wheeler told the BBC that trees and bushes were being altered in appearance as a result of the “very, very long, hot, dry summer”.
Birds and berries
Fruits and berries are also subject to the false autumn phenomenon – with many of them ripening too early and falling.
Environment expert Stephen Rapin told Yahoo News that berries ripening earlier than usual “is not good news for birds and other wildlife who depend on this food source at certain times of year”.
He told how trees over-producing seeds like acorns during periods of intense heat can cause issues for animals that rely on them for food in winter.
The expert said: “Trees that are under stress from drought are also more prone to infection from bacteria and fungi due to their weakened condition.
“This means that the long-term effects of drought can take many years to show.”
Head of tree collections at Royal Botanic Gardens told the outlet that false autumns were not a “major concern in the short term”.
He added that they were becoming more normal over time, and were weakening trees over time by reducing their growing season.
Birds may be affected by the early ripening of berries[/caption]
How should you manage your garden?
Gardening experts have also weighed in on how to manage your backyard in the coming week.
Watering plants deeply rather than frequently is a key factor to help your plants survive.
As opposed to light dry sprinkles, gardeners should aim to thoroughly soak roots so they grow deeper.
Plant-lovers should also add 5cm to 8cm of organic mulch, such as compost, wood chips or leaf mould, around the base of your plants.
Garden hacks for ‘false autumn’
- Use fallen leaves as leaf mulch: Rake up leaves, chop or mow over them to bag them up for leaf mulch. In a year or less, leaf mulch can be used around plants as a mulch, soil improver, to cover bare soil or even as a top dressing on lawns. The best leaf mulch is made from oak, beech or hornbeam but most work well
- Compost pumpkin leftovers: Don’t put finished, carved pumpkins in the bin. All parts of the pumpkin can be composted. Seeds, pulp and the thick skin will all break down quickly and help to bring balance to the compost heap.
- Create wildlife habitats: Pile up twigs, small branches and autumn pruning materials to provide winter shelter for wildlife.
- Use packaging materials: wet cardboard can be used under mulch to suppress weeds. So if you are already ordering your Christmas shopping, save the cardboard for garden use.
This will aid them when retaining moisture – while also regulating temperature and protecting roots from stress.
Experts also advise pruning with care and stopping using fertiliser.
Potted plants should be stored inside and watered less frequently.
And gardeners should put out high-energy foods like sunflower seeds and nuts, so ecosystems can feed off of the extra stock.
Gardeners should be aware of the upcoming changes[/caption]