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Horse chestnut · Aesculus hippocastanum

Why are my horse chestnut's leaf tips turning brown?

Brown tips on a horse chestnut usually point to moisture stress or salt buildup in the soil. Check your watering schedule first to see if the soil is drying out too much between sessions.

Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture 3 inches down.
  2. Inspect the leaves for signs of scorching.
  3. Look for recent fertilizer applications.

Likely causes

  1. Drought stress

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves feel crispy and the browning starts at the very edges before moving inward.

    What to do: Water the tree deeply once a week during dry spells. Ensure the water reaches 12 to 18 inches deep into the soil.

  2. Soil salt accumulation

    Possible

    How to tell: The tips turn brown even when the soil feels moist to the touch.

    What to do: Flush the soil around the base with a large volume of water to wash away excess minerals. Avoid using chemical fertilizers near the root zone.

When to worry

It is normal for leaves to show some browning in late summer as the tree prepares for autumn. Worry if it happens early in the season or affects the whole canopy.

Stopping it coming back

Apply a 3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to keep the soil moisture consistent.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your horse chestnut.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf 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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Questions people ask

Will these brown tips turn green again?
No, the damaged tissue will not recover. You can trim the brown parts off with clean shears if you dislike the look.
Does wind cause brown tips?
Yes, strong drying winds can cause leaf scorch. If your tree is in an exposed spot, consider a windbreak.

More problems with Horse chestnut

Back to the Horse chestnut guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.