Leaf scorch and drought stress

Leaves lose water faster than the roots can supply it, so the edges and the tissue between the veins dry out and brown. Hot, dry wind sets it off, and a small, damaged or crowded root system makes it worse.

Signs

Brown, dry leaf edges and browning between the veins; the tissue along the veins stays green.
Worst on the sunny side of the crown, in midsummer.
Early fall color and leaf drop, especially on newly planted trees.

What favors it

Hot, dry wind, drought, small or damaged root systems, and new plantings.

Prevention

Water deeply every week or two in dry weather: about 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter, spread over the root zone.
Mulch 3-4 inches deep out to the drip line.
Keep digging, trenching and paving out of the root zone.

Crops it shows up on

Shade & ornamental trees; Apple, pear & stone fruit; Roses & ornamentals.

Often confused with

DiseaseOak wilt DiseaseShade tree anthracnose Growing conditionsRoad salt injury

Sources

Leaf ScorchMontana State University Extension
Drought StressMontana State University Extension
Watering TreesColorado State University Extension

Why →

Treatment by crop

Cultural, biological and chemical options in the order to use them, and notes written for each crop.

Identification is free. Treatment is on the Home and Pro plans.

Open in the key See plans

Questions in the key that lead here

Look the plant over, leaf undersides included. Are insects, mites, slugs, eggs, webbing or droppings on it?
No, only damage or discoloration
Where is the problem?
A tree or shrub
Which part of the tree or shrub shows the problem?
Leaves of a broadleaf tree or shrub
What do the leaves show?
Brown edges and browning between the veins
How does the browning look, and when did it start?
After hot, dry or windy weather; worst at the top or on the sunny side

Not a match? Start the key or describe what you see.

More from university Extension: search Extension pages on leaf scorch and drought stress, or find a plant diagnostic lab through your state's Extension.

Leaf scorch and drought stress

Signs

What favors it

Prevention

Crops it shows up on

Often confused with

Sources

Questions in the key that lead here

Other growing conditions