U of M Gardening Information: What's wrong with my plant?

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Arborvitae > Foliage > Foliage turns brown from tip of twig down

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Credit: USDA Forest Service-North Central Research Station Archive, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Credit: M. Grabowski, University of Minnesota
Credit: Mike Schomaker, Colorado State Forest Service, Bugwood.org
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Winter injury

Foliage turns brown in late winter-early spring
Foliage turn brown from the tip down, base often remains green
Foliage at the tip of the branch are more severely discolored than those close to the trunk
Damage often only on one side of the tree
Common on trees exposed to wind and sun or light reflecting off buildings
Damage most severe at the top of the tree, branches covered by snow are unaffected
More information on Winter injury...

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Credit: D. Hanson, University of Minnesota
Credit: D. Hanson, University of Minnesota

De-icing salts

Foliage brown from the tips down
Affected foliage more common on side of tree facing the source of salt
Premature foliage drop
Buds or emerging foliage may be killed
Reduced growth with prolonged contact
More information on De-icing salt injury...

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Credit: Robin Rosetta, Oregon State University
Credit: Robin Rosetta, Oregon State University
Credit: Robin Rosetta, Oregon State University
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Pestalotiopsis blight
Pestalotiopsis funerea

Foliage on tips of branches turns first yellow then dark brown
Small twigs may be killed
Black pinpoint sized spore producing structures on infected twigs and foliage
Common on plants stressed by winter injury, drought or other factors
Often most severe on lower branches of the tree
More information on Pestalotiopsis twig blight...

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