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Scorched leaves on small oak #870207

Asked May 26, 2024, 7:59 PM EDT

Hello, The oak tree started growing in a flower pot last year. I pulled it out and planted it in a forest conservation area that my husband and I are restoring. It was doing fine until about a week ago when I noticed the leaves that look scorched. Is this bacterial leaf scorch? If so, should I pull the plant?

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

This does not look like Bacterial Leaf Scorch, and the sap-feeding insect that transmits that particular disease probably would not have utilized that small of an oak seedling. It does look like abiotic (not pest- or disease-caused) scorch, though, likely from the transplant shock and perhaps getting too dry at one point. Give the tree time to recover and put out new growth, which may or may not happen this season (sometimes trees are done with new leaf growth by early summer), but foliage should emerge unscathed next spring at the very least. If possible, monitor any  new planting, regardless of plant age, by feeling the soil several inches deep next to the root zone and watering well once the soil becomes somewhat dry to the touch at that depth.

Miri
Hi Miri,

I think it likely got too dry.  I will monitor it more closely in the future. I know it is just a little plant, but I have gotten quite attached to it.

Andrea
The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2024, 3:59 PM EDT

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