Dogwood - Ask Extension
Tip of dogwood leaves are discolored. Is the tree lacking nutrients?
Knowledgebase
Dogwood #868750
Asked May 16, 2024, 3:31 PM EDT
Tip of dogwood leaves are discolored. Is the tree lacking nutrients?
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Chris,
Thank you for the picture which shows a browning along the leaf margins (edges) and tips. As unlikely as it sounds this time of year, those are symptoms of leaf scorch.
Washington State University Extension says: "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." https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/dogwood-leaf-scorch-and-leaf-roll/#:~:text=Overwatering%20and%20underwatering%20can%20both,the%20soil%20and%20reduces%20drainage.
The linked Colorado State University Extension fact sheet has a good discussion on leaf scorch and its causes: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/leaf-scorch-2-911/. It also addresses prevention.
Lack of nutrients is not as likely a cause as too much fertilization. For ascertaining the nutrient levels, a soil test of the area is always a good idea. An OSU Extension fact sheet discusses soil testing: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132. OSU's Franklin County Extension office has soil test kits for purchase: https://franklin.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/soil-testing.
Thank you for your question.
Thank you for the picture which shows a browning along the leaf margins (edges) and tips. As unlikely as it sounds this time of year, those are symptoms of leaf scorch.
Washington State University Extension says: "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." https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/dogwood-leaf-scorch-and-leaf-roll/#:~:text=Overwatering%20and%20underwatering%20can%20both,the%20soil%20and%20reduces%20drainage.
The linked Colorado State University Extension fact sheet has a good discussion on leaf scorch and its causes: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/leaf-scorch-2-911/. It also addresses prevention.
Lack of nutrients is not as likely a cause as too much fertilization. For ascertaining the nutrient levels, a soil test of the area is always a good idea. An OSU Extension fact sheet discusses soil testing: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132. OSU's Franklin County Extension office has soil test kits for purchase: https://franklin.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/soil-testing.
Thank you for your question.
This dogwood gets full sun. I haven’t fertilized it. I’m thinking the leaf scorch is from all the rain we’ve had this spring. Could that be it?
Overwatering is stated as a cause. If standing water is accumulating near it, you might see whether you can improve the drainage.
Fortunately, your tree does not look too distressed. You probably do not have a problem to worry about, but I would keep an eye on it in case more severe symptoms develop.
I hope you have seen the worst of it already.
Fortunately, your tree does not look too distressed. You probably do not have a problem to worry about, but I would keep an eye on it in case more severe symptoms develop.
I hope you have seen the worst of it already.
Thanks.
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On May 17, 2024, at 1:16 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
