Plants around apple tree dying

Question: I have native ferns growing around our apple tree. Recently and very suddenly they browned and died. They are still rooted (I was thinking maybe voles but they seem well rooted. Any ideas? This hasn’t happened before this year. A caladium near the tree trunk has also been affected the same way. The foliage is crunchy.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 05, 2023, 10:23 AM EDT
response: Hi,  If nothing was sprayed nearby recently (possibly near the ground and it could have drifted or above in the tree canopy), it is most likely due to an abiotic cause. It looks like it might be near pavement. If so was there a vehicle idling nearby? Car exhaust can definitely have this effect. Were you supplementing any water during this drought period? Ferns can dry up quickly if their environmental conditions change.  You can trim off the dead and brown foliage and water as needed through any dry periods. You can follow the watering for trees and shrubs guidelines.  Let us know if you have further questions.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 10:38 AM EDT
response: Thanks Emily! There is a long driveway next to us but there are also unaffected ferns closer to that. We do not use sprays/pesticides in my yard.  I had one thought after I submitted my question that maybe you could comment on- We had a branch on the apple tree that was fairly large and died this spring. I was wondering if perhaps increased sunlight could have done the damage?Also, in the last couple of days I have noticed the ferns regrowing and sending up new shoots from the center, so I’m hoping they’ll be okay. Thank you for your advice!Sent from my iPhone On Jul 5, 2023, at 10:23 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 05, 2023, 11:01 AM EDT
response: Oh yes I think the branch dying and increase of sunlight is definitely it! In my experience, I have ferns die back like this often as the summer heat increases or like you said the sunlight changed. That paired with the spring drought when they typically get a lot more water, was probably the cause. Usually they can regrow and be fine. Glad there is new growth! Let us know if you notice anything further and would like help! Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 05, 2023, 11:29 AM EDT
response: Thanks, Emily! I will take care of the new sprouts and hopefully there’s nothing else wrong! Thank you for your guidance-AmySent from my iPhone On Jul 5, 2023, at 11:01 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:﻿

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 05, 2023, 1:54 PM EDT
response: you're welcome!