Are scale insects harmful?

Yes, they weaken the tree by sucking sap. They can cause branch dieback if left untreated for a long time.

Should I prune curled leaves?

You can prune them if they are dead, but focus on treating the cause first. Healthy leaves may uncurl once the stress is gone.

Why are my Nyssa sylvatica leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look for small bumps on the stems.
Check if the leaves look better in the morning.
Feel the soil to see if it is dry.

Likely causes

Scale insects
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, raised bumps on the branches or leaf stems that look like tiny shells. These insects suck sap and cause the leaves to curl or yellow.
What to do: Scrub the branches gently with a soft brush and soapy water. For heavy infestations, apply horticultural oil during the dormant season.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day but look better in the morning. This happens when the tree loses water faster than it can absorb it.
What to do: Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to keep the roots cool. Ensure the tree gets a deep watering once a week during hot spells.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your black tupelo

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

Curling during a heat wave is a normal defense mechanism. If the leaves stay curled and brittle even when the soil is moist, check for pests.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree healthy with regular mulch and monitor branches for early signs of scale insects.

Black tupelo: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black tupelo 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

Are scale insects harmful?: Yes, they weaken the tree by sucking sap. They can cause branch dieback if left untreated for a long time.
Should I prune curled leaves?: You can prune them if they are dead, but focus on treating the cause first. Healthy leaves may uncurl once the stress is gone.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

Why are my Nyssa sylvatica leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your black tupelo?