Will my tree die if the leaves curl?

Usually no. Most trees recover once the stressor is removed or the weather cools down.

Should I prune off the curled leaves?

Only prune them if they are completely brown and crispy. Otherwise, leave them so the tree can still use them to make energy.

Eastern Cottonwood: curling leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of curled leaves for beetles or larvae.
Feel the soil to see if it is dry more than 3 inches down.
Observe if the leaves flatten out after the sun sets.

Likely causes

Cottonwood Leaf Beetle
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, metallic blue or black beetles and yellow larvae chewing holes in the leaves. This feeding often causes the remaining leaf tissue to curl or wither.
What to do: Pick off the larvae by hand if the tree is small. For larger infestations, apply a neem oil spray to the foliage in the early morning or late evening. Repeat the application every 7 to 10 days until the pests are gone.
Heat Stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture. They usually look flat and healthy again once the sun goes down or the temperature drops.
What to do: Water the tree deeply at the base to ensure the soil stays moist. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of wood mulch around the base to keep the roots cool. Avoid watering during the heat of the day to prevent evaporation.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your eastern cottonwood

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 curling is accompanied by widespread browning or if the tree is losing leaves rapidly. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during a record heat wave.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree healthy with consistent deep watering during dry spells and monitor for beetles in late spring.

Eastern Cottonwood: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your eastern cottonwood 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will my tree die if the leaves curl?: Usually no. Most trees recover once the stressor is removed or the weather cools down.
Should I prune off the curled leaves?: Only prune them if they are completely brown and crispy. Otherwise, leave them so the tree can still use them to make energy.

Why are my Eastern Cottonwood leaves curling?