Key Features
- High sun exposure
- Leaf curling
- Browning of leaf edges
Symptoms
Leaves turn brown at the margins and progress inward. The scorch symptom stays between leaf veins. Leaves more exposed to the outer margins of the tree are most susceptible to scorch.
Biology
Leaf scorch is a result of a lack of water caused by drought or roots that are unable to draw water from the soil due to mechanical injury or soil compaction. Plants that are exposed to constant winds are more prone to developing leaf scorch, as are plants that are receiving more light than is recommended for their growth (for example, planting a shade-loving hosta in full sun). Hot, dry weather causes the leaves to lose water rapidly and, when water is limited, the leaves are not able to replenish the lost water. Variegated plants suffer from more severe scorch on the variegated portion of leaves because they are lacking the needed chlorophyll and/or anthocyanin to protect the leaf tissue.
Management Recommendations
Proper watering is crucial for avoiding leaf scorch. Water plants so that the soil is saturated, but not flooded. During periods of drought, a homeowner should set the hose to a slow trickle for a few hours or overhead watering to the equivalent of 1" per week for most annuals and perennials. Most people do not realize how much water the plants are getting. A rain gauge, or even an empty tuna can, placed within the bed will record the amount of moisture the planting received.
Effective Pesticides
Pesticides are neither available nor recommended for managing this condition.
Resources
- Not satisfied with ID? Contact the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab
- Sign Up for the Purdue Landscape Report
