skip to main content

Brown curling leaves on Oak Leaf

14 years ago

My oak leaf hydrangea has leaves turning brown with curling edges. A few weeks ago there were signs of insect infestation, so at the recommendation of my local coop, I sprayed with a product called Eight. Since then the brown areas are getting worse. Many leaves are dying. I'm thinking maybe a fungus that was untouched by the insecticide? Too much sun? It gets morning sun, but around here, that can be pretty darned hot. I'm tempted to cut it way back, but should I move it to a shadier location too? Spray for fungus? Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

luis_pr
14 years ago
You may have one or more than once problem here, knharper.

At this time of the year, there is an increase of soil moisture problems that start with browning of leaf edges. This type of problem can be confirmed by checking the soil using the finger method. Insert a finger to a depth of 4" and water only if the soil feels almost dry or dry. While you are at it, recheck the mulch and add more if you have less than three inches. A soil moisture problem however, would not cause curling in older leaves but it would cause browning throughout many of the plant's leaves.

Curling could be caused by a myriad of things: moisture problems on new tender growth, insects (aphids, hydrangea leaf curler, borers, etc), by a fungus or even by some fungicides/insecticides.

So why is your solution not working? Could be that it is a soil moisture problem or it could be a case of the correct diagnosis (insects) but the wrong solution for that type of insect infestation. The problem with insecticides is that you first need to do something that can be darn difficult. And that is identifying the insect correctly so you know that the product will take care of the problem. For example, if worms are causing the problem, you need to apply Bacillus Thuringiensis; if aphids are causing the problem then apply Bonide's Eight; etc etc etc. Once you find a possible causal agent, you can take a sample in a sealed transparent plastic bag to a local nursery or extendion service for identification. So, check a few times during the day and ALSO at night (when many pests come out of hiding) to see if you find any active pests causing damage to the leaves (look at the underside of the leaves too).

By the way, it does not sound like sun damage. Too much sun initially causes the leaves to turn all yellowish or even white-ish.
Related Discussions
Plumeria leaves turning yellow/brown; Some leaves curl
Q
Comments (58)
Jennifer —-(Spraying with Neem Oil and or and other mixtures to eradicate the insects organically could still harm those beneficial insects. Some people will just let those pest stay on the tree because they dont want to harm them. Its a difficlt choice to make for some and you need to understand that some bad infestations that might get out of hand and could cause your trees to become weak and allow other diseses to slowly kill your tree. i always try and let Mother Nature work on the right balance of the pest verses the beneficial insets to keep everything in check. But sometimes i will have to step in and use more than organic to combact the problem. its up to you to decide what is best for your tree. Laura Even those that eat leaves ___ Katydids 🌺
...See More
Lemon tree - leaf curl, yellow leaves, brown spots
Q
Comments (1)
Yes, the pot looks small and the plant looks underfed. You are giving it only about a quarter of its nutrient needs: Citrus Focus instructions say "Add 10ml of Citrus Focus in every litre of clean water, weekly. If leaves are pale or yellow, increase frequency of application."
...See More
Sapodilla brown leaf curling?? Please Help
Q
Comments (1)
I bought it from logees in august because I wanted sias woods and could not find it anywhere else. It arrive very healthy with a fruit on it. I cut the fruit off. The root system was small and arrived in a tiny pot so I potted up after a week. The plant did great. I only periodically watered it during winter and have slowly started bringing on more water and taking it outside when its warm. My Sapodilla has been transferred to a 2.5 gal into gritty mix from a one gallon in a failed 5-1-1 (bark way to fine) 1 week ago. I switched to gritty mix because my 5-1-1 was not drainging properly and a few plants were suffering. The gritty mix gets watered every day because I dont think I soaked the bark long enough so its drying a little to fast. When I repotted I was amazed at how small and undeveloped the roots are. Is there any way to help them establish and grow? The leaves have some small brown paches and are curling its started at the base and worked its way up. Please can anyone help me? I have not fertilized yet.
...See More
Heart leaf philodendron new growth is yellow-brown and curled
Q
Comments (8)
Possible webbing on the back of some leaves and stippling of the center-of-attention leaf in the bottom pic are evidence toward spider mites. Wiping the front & back of leaves with a cotton ball damp with rubbing alcohol can help get rid of them if so, and clean leaves if they are not even there. Does this pot have a drain hole in the bottom? Are you one who sometimes has plants wilt from thirst or more toward the overwatering end of the spectrum? Did your soil say "moisture control?" If you have a suitable spot in the shade to put your plant outside for summer (and don't live where the air is naturally very dry,) that should help get rid of the SM's, if present, also, and all Philodendrons love humidity and warmth.
...See More

Related Stories

FALL GARDENING 5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden

By Therese Ciesinski

Improve your soil and yard the organic way with a valuable garden booster that grows on trees

GARDENING GUIDES Celebrate Eastern Oaks for Wildlife, Longevity and Seasonal Interest

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

There might not be a more important tree to have in your eastern U.S. landscape — if you can fit one in

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: Goodbye, Honey Oak — Hello, Minty Green

By Mitchell Parker

After more than 30 years, the Kloesels revamped their space to reflect their rural country town and Victorian-style home

COLOR How to Use Marsala, Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year

By Jennifer Ott Design

Pantone digs deep and goes earthy with its selection. Here are ways to make it work in your home

FALL GARDENING Houzz Call: Show Us Your Fall Color!

By Annie Thornton

Post pictures of your fall landscape — plants, leaves, wildlife — in the Comments section. Your photo could appear in an upcoming article

TREES Great Design Plant: Southern Magnolia, Iconic U.S. Native

By Falon Mihalic

Massive, fragrant blooms and deep green leaves set Magnolia grandiflora apart from other large shade trees

FALL GARDENING 11 Trees for Brilliant Fall Color

By Marianne Lipanovich

Give your landscape the quintessential look of autumn with the red, orange and yellow leaves of these standouts

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Renovated 1950s Family Home in Texas

A complete overhaul reinvents a dark midcentury home, leaving a cool color palette, an open layout and a nursery splurge in its wake

HOUSEPLANTS Get a Tropical Splash With a Bird's Nest Fern

By creative jewish mom.com

Sword-shaped leaves make this fern a stunning accent — and you can even mount it on wood for a wall hanging

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Oakleaf Hydrangea

By Becky Harris

Consider this full, flowering shrub for year-round beauty in the garden as you plan your fall plantings

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

More Discussions

Transplanting Hydrangea

0

How to clean the fence -hydrangeas planted

3

Overdose aluminum sulfate

6

Hydrangea (winter die back)

3

What hydrangea would look like this in fall?

5