Are the tree leaves turning brown/black in your area also?
I've noticed leaves from all medium and large deceduous trees in my area turning brown or black and crispy and falling much earlier than usual, and also in large numbers. I feel like I could probably rake a bag of leaves from my lawn in August.
The leaves aren't turning yellow on my ginko before turning brown. Nor are the neighbours' maples turning orange or red. Straight to brown and crisp.
Is this likely related to the extreme heat this summer? Maybe wildfire smoke? It's multiple different species.
Any ideas? Is it happening where you are? I'm in Toronto.