Symptoms
Brown Leaves
Brown leaves can be one of the first visible signs that a tree or shrub is under stress. Learn what browning may indicate, which conditions commonly cause it, and when it makes sense to schedule a professional evaluation.
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On this page
What is it?
Signs & symptoms
What causes it
Trees affected
When to act
How we help
Prevention tips
FAQs
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Overview
What Brown Leaves May Mean
Brown leaves are one of the most common symptoms homeowners notice on trees and shrubs. In some cases, browning is tied to seasonal stress, weather injury, or a temporary watering issue. In other cases, it may point to insect pressure, disease activity, root stress, or a plant that is beginning to decline.
Because brown leaves can have several different causes, the most important first step is determining whether the problem is mostly cosmetic or a sign of a larger health issue.
When you'll see it in Michigan
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Overview
Common Signs & Symptoms
Check each one you're seeing on your tree — your match strength updates below.
Root Cause
Possible Causes
Brown leaves are a symptom, not a diagnosis. Some of the more common causes include:
- Drought or heat stress
- Winter injury
- Poor drainage
- Root damage
- Transplant stress
- Fungal disease
- Nutrient stress or poor site conditions
- Insect Feeding
Different causes can create similar-looking browning, which is why appearance alone does not always tell the full story.
Plants at Risk
Trees Commonly Affected
This symptom can show up on many landscape plants, including arborvitae, spruce, pine, maple, crabapple, boxwood, and ornamental shrubs. The specific pattern of browning often helps point toward the most likely cause.
Boxwood
Red Flags
When to Be Concerned
A few scattered brown leaves are not always a sign of serious decline. But if browning is spreading, returning season after season, or affecting a large percentage of the plant, it is worth having the issue evaluated.
You should act sooner if multiple plants are affected, branches are beginning to die back, or the plant has already been stressed by drought, insects, or disease.
Our Approach
How My Arborist helps
My Arborist starts with a professional evaluation to determine why the browning is happening. Once the likely cause is identified, our ISA Certified Arborists can recommend the most appropriate next step based on the plant type, severity of symptoms, and time of year.
01
Health evaluation
Tree and shrub health evaluations
02
Targeted treatment
Targeted insect or disease treatment when appropriate
03
Fertilization recommendations
Deep root fertilization or soil-support recommendations
04
Monitoring support
Monitoring and follow-up care
05
Preventative Care
Cultural recommendations to reduce future stress
Stay Ahead
Prevention & Monitoring Tips
Water during extended dry periods without overwatering
Maintain proper mulch depth and keep mulch away from trunks
Watch for recurring insect or disease pressure
Avoid unnecessary root disturbance
Address new symptoms before decline spreads
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the leaves on my tree turning brown?
Brown leaves can be caused by drought stress, disease, insect feeding, root issues, weather extremes, or other site-related stress. The pattern of browning helps narrow down the cause.
Can brown leaves recover?
Sometimes. If the damage is mild and the underlying cause is addressed, new growth may come in healthy. Completely dead foliage typically does not turn green again.
Is this a disease or just stress?
It can be either. Browning alone does not confirm disease, which is why a professional evaluation is useful when symptoms are widespread or recurring.
When should I call an arborist?
If browning is spreading, affecting multiple plants, or paired with dieback or thinning, it is a good time to have an arborist take a closer look.
Keep Exploring
Other symptoms
Holes in Leaves
Insect, disease, or other damage.
Branch Dieback
Thinning canopy sections
Early Leaf Drop
Losing foliage sooner than expected
CONSULTATION
Not sure what you’re seeing?
If your tree or shrub is showing signs of stress, discoloration, spotting, or decline, My Arborist can help identify the likely cause and recommend the right next step for your landscape.
ISA Certified Arborists
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Serving SE Michigan
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