Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture at a depth of 3 inches.
- Look at the weather history for recent dry or windy days.
- Inspect the leaves for any signs of pests.
Likely causes
Underwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil is bone dry and the edges of the leaves are crispy. This is common during the first few years after planting.
What to do: Water the tree deeply once a week, ensuring the water reaches the entire root zone. Apply a layer of mulch to help the soil retain moisture.
Wind Scorch
PossibleHow to tell: The brown tips appear suddenly after a period of strong, dry winds. The rest of the leaf may look healthy.
What to do: Provide a temporary windbreak if the tree is in an exposed location. Keep the tree well hydrated to help it withstand windy conditions.
Find out what's wrong with your field maple
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Minor browning at the very tips is common in late summer heat. Worry if the browning spreads inward or affects a large portion of the canopy.
Stopping it coming back
Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch around the base of the tree to keep roots cool and moist.
Field Maple: brown tips? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your field maple and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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Questions people ask
- Should I trim the brown tips off?
- You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but it is not necessary for the health of the tree. Use clean, sharp shears.
- Does my tree need more water in winter?
- If the winter is dry and the ground is not frozen, give the tree a deep soak occasionally to prevent dehydration.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Field Maple
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.