Why Are My Leaves Turning Black?
Georgia heat can be very extreme in mid summer leaving all of us including the leaves on our shrubs and bushes scorched, shriveled and burnt. But how do we know what the cause is and is it going to cause my tree’s health to decline?
There are three different types of leaf scorch:
Bacterial
Bacterial leaf scorch is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa that will invade the xylem of the tree and cause rapid decline. Unfortunately there is no cure for this disease currently and it can be transmitted very quickly through tree to tree, it is most commonly seen in Oak tree species. If your tree leaves are turning brown in Athens, its best to have them properly assessed by a certified Arbrorist in Athens.
Nutrient
Nutrient leaf scorch can be very similar in appearance to bacterial leaf scorch however is due to just that, the lack of proper nutrients, usually iron and manganese.
Environmental
Environmental leaf scorch is due to harsh weather conditions such as droughts and extreme heat temperatures.
How can you prevent your leaves from blackening?
Where bacterial leaf scorch cannot be cured, nutrient and environmental can be helped with a few simple steps.
Perform rigorous watering techniques daily in extreme heat temperatures.
Mulch around the base of your trees to ensure water retention and provide the soil with more nutrients.
Have a certified Arborist in Athens, Ga perform a deep root fertilization on your trees to stimulate the soil with proper nutrients and promote healthy growth.
Make sure your tree is in the right area for its requirements (full sun, part shade, etc.)
