Leaf scorch
Brown, dry, crisp edges and patches on leaves, usually caused by too little water reaching the leaves in hot, windy or dry weather.
Also known as: Marginal leaf burn, Scorch
Symptoms and identification
Leaf margins and areas between veins turn brown and crispy while the rest of the leaf may stay green. Scorch often starts on the sunny, windy side of the plant and on older leaves, and badly scorched leaves fall early.
Causes
Water loss from leaves is faster than the roots can supply it, because of drought, hot dry wind, strong sun, root damage, a compacted or waterlogged root zone, or salt build-up. Some plants are prone to it, for example Japanese maples and hostas.
Organic treatment
Water slowly and deeply and add a 5 to 8 cm layer of mulch away from the stem. Scorched leaves will not recover, so trim them off if they look unsightly, and expect new growth to be healthy.
Prevention
Water deeply in dry spells, mulch the root zone, and plant sensitive plants in a sheltered spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Protect roots from damage and do not overfeed.
Chemical treatment (use with care)
No chemical treatment is needed. Correct the watering and site and the plant recovers with new growth.