Dogwood: Leaf scorch and leaf roll

categories: Dogwood Dogwood Diseases Ornamental trees Ornamentals

revision date: 2022-11-22 11:46

Brownish, dried and curled leaf tips on a dogwood tree.
Dogwood leaf scorch
Photo by: R.S. Byther

Biology

Leaf scorch and leaf roll are results of stress. Leaf scorch is characterized by browning of the tips and margins of the leaves. Leaf roll is a puckering and upward rolling of the leaf along the midvein. The undersides of rolled leaves are often pinkish or purplish. Drought, heat stress, overwatering, and construction damage are possible causes of both problems. Leaf scorch can also be caused by over-fertilization. Similar symptoms can be caused by herbicide damage.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

  • Provide proper irrigation and fertilization for your plants, especially during dry weather.
  • Overwatering and underwatering can both cause leaf scorch.
  • Overfertilization can lead to salt injury on leaf tips and margins.
  • Try to prevent injury to the roots and trunk, especially during construction or soil excavation.
  • Avoid compacting soil, which inhibits water penetration into the soil and reduces drainage.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

  • None recommended