Key Features
- Symptoms in areas of 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. Street trees that are exposed to constant winds are more prone to developing leaf scorch. 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. Trees in urbanized areas may exhibit leaf scorch only on one side of the tree as a result of structural interference with root functions, or due to wind tunnels caused by the location of tall buildings.
Management Recommendations
Proper watering is crucial for avoiding leaf scorch. Typically trees need one inch per week of water in the form of rain or irrigation. 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 at the base of the tree at least monthly, especially if the tree or shrub has recently been installed. Many cities will use reinforced plastic bags filled with water (aka Gator Bags) around trees so they can trickle water on new transplants or during drought periods.
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
