The result of this damage is the shedding of injured leaves. This problem is especially noticeable in May and June when all of the leaves are young and developing. Later in the growing season, most of the leaves are mature and resistant to injury caused by the wind. Certain species of trees seem to be more susceptible to wind whip injury. Wind whip is particularly damaging during periods of dry weather.
Plants use a tremendous amount of water to support their leaves.
The number of leaves dropped due to wind whip is not a serious threat to the tree's overall health. Proper watering is the only method of reducing wind whip leaf drop. Water your tree every 7 to 10 days. Copyright 1997, Division of Forestry. All rights reserved.