As a result of moisture stress, leaves become dry and scorched. On deciduous plants, margins of leaves become tan to brown. Browning of leaf tissue may also occur between veins while the veins themselves and immediately adjacent tissue remain green. On conifers such as pine, browning occurs at the needle tips. Leaf scorch may occur on one branch, on one side of the plant or over the entire plant.
Symptoms are often more prominent in the upper branches.
Midsummer defoliation can occur when the problem becomes severe. If moisture stress occurs for several seasons, crown decline can follow. Small twigs and branches in the upper crown die back first, followed by larger branches. Scorch symptoms are an indication that one or more adverse factors are affecting the plant. Try to determine any underlying reasons for the problem and correct them if possible.