Very early Autumn like colour change

[Fritzfree]

I live in Northern Tasmania and have noticed quite a few (not all) of my deciduous (Trident maples, Liquidambar) Bonsai are mysteriously going through what appears yo be an early Autumn change of colour. Has anyone else from a similar area -or- elsewhere been experiencing a similar thing? I have been doing Bonsai for over 40 years and have never seen this happen before...

[perfection]

It sounds like an unusual occurrence for your Bonsai to be going through an early autumn color change! The early leaf color change could be related to several factors. One possibility is that there has been an unexpected shift in the weather, such as cooler temperatures, reduced sunlight, or changes in water levels, which could trigger this reaction. It might also be stress-related due to changes in humidity or soil conditions.

I haven’t heard of this specific situation, but it might be worth checking the soil moisture levels, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure to see if those factors might be influencing the plants. Have you noticed any significant environmental changes this season compared to others?

[shibui]

I have not seen it this year but have had this , or something similar in the past. I put it down to stress. Probably a bit too dry and the trees are preparing to go dormant to preserve water levels.
Pictures might help?

[DaveZ]

I've got this currently on a couple of Liquidambars, I also put it down to being let get too dry and stressing the tree. I'd imagine it has to be a stress response of some type.

[Fritzfree]

Thank you for all so much your kind input, much appreciated! The weather here , as with much of Australia, is doing some very strange things. Having participated in the art of Bonsai for some 30+ years I have seen a lot of changes in seasonal growth but none quite as radical as the current situation. It appears however, from the messages I have been receiving in my inbox, that I am not alone and others are also seeing some strange growth habits in their Bonsai. A lot of what has been suggested to me I am already doing but is unfortunately is to no avail. Anyway, will keep you all updated and thank you all once again...

[Matthew]

I have not seen it this year but have had this , or something similar in the past. I put it down to stress. Probably a bit too dry and the trees are preparing to go dormant to preserve water levels.
Pictures might help?

It is friggin Dry that for sure. Im holding abit of green still my place but thats only from decent watering that im fort
unite to still have. Bring on a early autumn break now!

[jamesocallaghan]

Totally agree with dry conditions, have some tridents which I root pruned in winter which have gone into autumn colour in summer, water every day , i always try to put my pots on the ground and find they will start growing into the ground through the pot and less stress on the plant.

[TimS]

Definitely happening an I suspect it’s because of how dry it’s been as others say. Plenty of deciduous trees in the gardens at work already significantly showing autumn colour