Scorched leaves are usually most abundant on the side of the plant exposed to direct sunlight, and prevailing winds. Leaves that have been severely scorched may curl and wither. Some leaves may become entirely necrotic, without exhibiting any previous yellowing. Eventually, the yellowing progresses, with tissue rapidly becoming necrotic at the leaf margins, and between the leaf veins. Initially, a subtle yellowing between the leaf veins and along the leaf margins occurs, followed by a browning of the leaf tips. Leaves that have been scorched become discolored. On many deciduous plants, symptoms of leaf scorch generally appear between July and August. Leaf scorch symptoms differ between plant species. The damage caused by leaf scorch may sometimes be indicative of a plant’s intolerance for a particular environment or exposure. Wilt diseases, such as pine wilt, oak wilt, and verticillium wilt create the conditions necessary for leaf scorch. Many are capable of disrupting a plant’s vascular system, which can contribute to the appearance of leaf scorch. They can incur mechanical and frost injuries soil compaction may restrict their growth they may be smothered by water during rainstorms they may develop nutrient deficiencies and they can erode when exposed to high concentrations of de-icing salt, fertilizer, or chemicals.ĭisease pathogens and insects can infiltrate plants. Roots may be damaged in a variety of ways. Damage to a plant’s root system can also result in leaf scorch. Periods of extreme heat, exposure to drying winds, and drought conditions are the primary causes of leaf scorch. Leaf scorch occurs when adverse factors combine to weaken a plant. Young trees, diseased trees, or trees that have been infested with insects are more susceptible to leaf scorch. The most frequently affected are arbovitae, azalea, fir, laurel, Japanese andromeda, hemlock, pine, rhododendron, southern magnolia, spruce, and yew. Evergreens are also commonly affected by leaf scorch. Plants that are prone to leaf scorch include alpine currant, ash, beech, birch, flowering dogwood, horse chestnut, Japanese maple, Norway maple, sugar maple, linden, and white pine. Leaf scorch impacts a multitude of plants. Leaf scorch occurs globally, wherever susceptible plants are present. Plants that suffer from extreme leaf scorch may be defoliated, with many experiencing a decline in plant vigor. As a result, the leaf tissue becomes scorched, eventually turning necrotic. Scorching develops when water evaporates from a plant’s leaf surfaces, and is unable to be replenished through the root system. Extreme temperatures, heavy winds, periods of drought, and low soil moisture all contribute to leaf scorch. It can affect most plants if the weather conditions are favorable. Leaf scorch is a physiological disorder of plants.