Should I trim off the brown tips?

You can trim them for looks, but it does not fix the underlying issue. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.

Probably not. Brown tips are usually a stress response that can be fixed with better watering habits.

Why are the tips of my European Hornbeam leaves turning brown?

Check these first

Check the soil moisture at a depth of 3 inches.
Feel if the brown tips are dry and brittle.
Review your recent fertilizing schedule.

Likely causes

Drought Stress
Most likely
How to tell: The leaf edges and tips turn crisp and brown during hot, dry spells. The soil feels dry several inches down.
What to do: Water the tree deeply every 7 to 14 days during dry periods. Apply a 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to hold in moisture.
Salt or Fertilizer Burn
Possible
How to tell: Brown tips appear suddenly after applying fertilizer or during a very dry summer. The rest of the leaf may look healthy.
What to do: Flush the soil with plenty of water to wash away excess salts. Stop fertilizing until the tree shows signs of recovery.

When to worry

It is normal for some leaves to brown slightly at the very end of a hot summer. Worry if the browning spreads rapidly toward the center of the leaf.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule during the growing season. Use organic mulch to keep the root zone cool and hydrated.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your hornbeam.

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

Should I trim off the brown tips?: You can trim them for looks, but it does not fix the underlying issue. Just be careful not to cut into the healthy green tissue.
Is my tree dying?: Probably not. Brown tips are usually a stress response that can be fixed with better watering habits.