Final answer:
The drying and falling of tree leaves in the homeowner's yard are likely due to the stress from prolonged drought and potentially inadequate previous landscape maintenance. Trees naturally shed leaves to conserve water, and while they have stored nutrients to initially produce leaves in spring, continuous water stress can lead to wilting and leaf loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Tree Leaf Loss
The wilting and drying up of the leaves in your yard can be attributed to the environmental stress caused by the prolonged drought that the area has experienced for the past two years. In spring, trees are able to leaf out because they typically store energy and nutrients during their dormant winter phase, which allows them to produce new growth. However, as the drought persists, trees can struggle to maintain their leaves due to the lack of sufficient water.
Trees experience seasonal changes, and leaf loss can be a natural response to conserve water and protect themselves during periods of environmental stress. Additionally, if the previous homeowner did not maintain the landscape adequately, the trees may be more susceptible to drought stress. It's also possible that the trees could have underlying diseases or pest issues that are exacerbating the problem.
Nutrient recycling is an essential natural process whereby trees reuse components of shedding parts for other vital growth functions. However, when water is scarce, this process may not be sufficient to prevent leaf loss. It's important for the homeowner to ensure proper care for their trees, potentially including watering during droughts, to mitigate stress and support the health of the trees.