Trees in La Crosse may need more water, so they won’t lose their leaves too early

If you’re seeing leaves fall earlier than they should, that could be a result of the region’s continuing drought.

The city of La Crosse is calling on tree owners to keep those plants watered during the fall, especially trees that have just been planted this season.

La Crosse’s outdoor rec and conservation office says the trees should receive an inch of water per plant, with a slow rate of watering preferred in the morning and evening.

Experts are concerned that the continuing dry weather is causing trees to lose their leaves earlier than expected. Trees planted during the 2023 growing season especially need more water, until their roots become more developed.