OTHER CAUSES OF PLANT PROBLEMS - CROWN/FOLIAGE

A variety of environmental and mechanical factors can cause plant problems. These factors may be the primary cause of the problem, or they may be secondary, placing additional stress on the plant. This weakens the plant's defense system and resistance to plant disease.

Abiotic (non-infectious) factors are usually caused by adverse environmental conditions. Abiotic causes of plant problems may include:

	GIRDLING ROOTS Girdling roots constrict the main stem of the tree causing wilting and browning of leaves, reduced vigor, and decline of the tree. For More Information Photo by Chad Behrendt
	DROUGHT STRESS Uniform wilting or browning of leaves throughout the tree. Leaf margins and branch extremities usually wilt first. Photo by Robert Blanchette
	FLOODING Prolonged periods of standing water create anaerobic conditions, causing decline and possible death of the tree. Leaves may yellow, brown, or drop prematurely. Photo by Dave MacDonald
	HEAT STRESS Browning of the leaf margins. Leaves may also contain a yellow, chlorotic margin (halo) inside of the brown tissue. Photo by Chad Behrendt
	NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY Nutrient deficiency causing yellowing of the leaves. Photo by Crystal Floyd
	HERBICIDE INJURY Injury can be by direct herbicide contact or through uptake by the roots, causing browning, curling, and dying of leaves. Leaves may also be stunted, leathery, and/or contain irregular growth patterns. Photo by Chad Behrendt
	STORM DAMAGE Physical damage to the leaves (shredding) and/or premature loss of healthy green leaves. Physical damage to the branches, bark, trunk, or roots of the plant may cause leaf browning. Photo by Chad Behrendt

Animals may cause browning of leaves or premature leaf loss, due to girdling or excision of branches or roots.

	SAPSUCKER DAMAGE Multiple rows of holes caused by sapsucker feeding will girdle the tree. This causes drought-like symptoms to occur on the leaves. Photo by MN Extension Service
	SQUIRREL DAMAGE Premature dropping of leaf clusters including a small portion of the twig. Photo by Chad J. Behrendt

Insects can cause symptoms similar to plant disease.

LEAF MINER DAMAGE Interveinal browning of leaf tissue. Photo by Chad J. Behrendt

Refer to the following web pages for more information on insects.

University of MN, Department of EntomologyUniversity of MN, Integrated Pest Management


Abiotic causes of plant problems may also include improper cultural practices. Refer to the following web page for information on proper tree care.

Planting & Care


For more information on how to identify and control noninfectious diseases

Plant Disease Diagnostics
University of Minnesota, Yard and Garden Clinic
Developed (1999) and maintained by
Chad J. Behrendt, Ph.D. and Crystal M. Floyd

For plant disease questions contact the Yard and Garden Line Content Last Updated 09/07/00 View University of Minnesota Disclaimer