Question
I have a very large oak tree in my small garden. I have noticed that many leaves are falling off it. My grass looks like autumn covered in leaves. My neighbours also have oak trees but appear not to have the same problem. Could the tree be dead or purley due to the drought conditions we are currently experiencing?
Thank you  

Answer
Is sounds like a reaction to the drought. The tree is not getting enough moisture and is shutting down its systems similar to what is does in the fall. If you can reach a branch scape a small bit of bark off the end of the branch and if the color under the bark is green then the tree is still alive but just dropping the leaves in response to the drought.