Should I trim off the brown tips?

Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean, sharp scissors for a tidier look. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.

Does fertilizer cause brown tips?

Excess fertilizer can cause salt buildup that burns the tips. If you have fertilized recently, flush the soil with plenty of water to wash away excess salts.

Common dogwood: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil moisture two inches below the surface.
Check the location for exposure to drying winds or intense afternoon sun.
Inspect the leaf undersides for any signs of pests.

Likely causes

Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The leaf edges and tips turn crisp and brown while the rest of the leaf stays green. This often happens during hot, dry summer spells.
What to do: Mist the foliage occasionally during dry heat waves. You can also place a tray of pebbles and water near the base to increase local humidity.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels bone dry several inches down and the leaves look dull. The tips will brown as the plant struggles to move water to the extremities.
What to do: Water deeply every 7 to 14 days until the soil is moist throughout. Ensure you soak the root zone thoroughly rather than just wetting the surface.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common dogwood

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.

When to worry

Worry if the browning spreads rapidly toward the center of the leaf or affects new growth. Minor tip browning is often just a reaction to a recent heat spike.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to keep the roots cool and moist.

Common dogwood: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common dogwood 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

Should I trim off the brown tips?: Yes, you can trim the brown parts with clean, sharp scissors for a tidier look. Just avoid cutting into the healthy green tissue.
Does fertilizer cause brown tips?: Excess fertilizer can cause salt buildup that burns the tips. If you have fertilized recently, flush the soil with plenty of water to wash away excess salts.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my Cornus sanguinea leaves getting brown tips?