The Late Winter Leaf Drop of Campus Live Oaks

03/05/2024

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Florida State University's campus is well known for its iconic grounds with the Southern Live Oak being one of its crown jewels. As winter turns to spring in Tallahassee, Live Oaks begin shedding their leaves. Individual Live Oak trees shed their leaves at various times- often weeks apart. However, the spring leaf shedding is currently at its peak throughout campus, resulting in a flurry of leaves dropping that the Facilities' Grounds and Landscaping team is diligently working to keep at bay. They also collect them to be composted at the plant nursery when possible.

Live Oak leaf shedding on campus

"We deal with more leaves in the spring because we have over 600 Live Oaks on campus," said David MacManus, Assistant Director of Grounds & Landscape Operations at FSU. "People from up north would never think of raking leaves in the spring."

David Macmanus, Assistant Director of Grounds & Landscaping examines Like Oaks

The natural process tends to cause alarm throughout campus due to the misconception that the Live Oak is an evergreen. Grounds and Landscaping are familiar with calls of concern this time of year. "We have received calls from departments that the Live Oaks surrounding buildings are dying. It is completely normal for the leaves to fall now," said Macmanus.

Live Oaks in various stages of leaf drop along Legacy Walk

Live Oaks are considered semi-evergreen as their leaves do not last longer than a year. Tree lovers can rest assured that the leaves of the Live Oak trees are only shed this time of year and will not drop again in the fall. An example of an actual evergreen common on our campus is a Southern Magnolia whose leaves last several years.

Live Oak buds and blooms in transition at Strozier Library and Greek Park

So, what does this process look like? Some Live Oaks drop their leaves entirely and sprout new growth, while others transition seamlessly by sprouting buds at the base of the leaf stem. As the dying leaves drop, tender young foliage and blooms emerge from the buds. Male Live Oak blooms which are borne in long catkins can cause allergies when they flower because their pollen is released to the wind.

The annual shedding of Live Oak leaves is expected to last until the end of March, and the beloved heritage trees will return to their radiant green splendor as we round out the spring semester. To keep up with all the plant life and landscaping projects on campus, follow FSU Grounds and Landscaping on Facebook!