Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for aphids.
- Check the soil moisture level 6 inches below the surface.
- Look for signs of wilting on the rest of the tree.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small green or black insects on the undersides of the leaves. The leaves may also feel sticky due to the honeydew they secrete.
What to do: Spray the foliage with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If the infestation is heavy, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days until they are gone.
Drought stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves will look dry, brittle, and curl inward to conserve moisture. This is most common in young trees that have not established deep roots.
What to do: Water the tree deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist 6 inches down. Apply a 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to help the soil retain water.
Find out what's wrong with your sweet chestnut
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
Worry if the curling is accompanied by branch dieback or cankers, as this could indicate chestnut blight. Minor curling on a few leaves during a heatwave is usually just the tree protecting itself.
Stopping it coming back
Keep young trees well watered during their first 3 years and monitor for pests early in the spring.
Sweet chestnut: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sweet chestnut 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.
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Questions people ask
- Will my tree die if the leaves curl?
- Usually no, as long as you address the cause quickly. It is a sign of stress, not necessarily a death sentence.
- Should I prune off the curled leaves?
- You can remove them if they are heavily infested with pests, but otherwise leave them alone. The tree needs its leaves to produce energy.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Sweet chestnut
Back to the Sweet chestnut guide
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.