Should I trim off the brown tips?

You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but it will not fix the underlying cause. Use clean scissors and cut just outside the green tissue.

Does wind cause brown tips on poplars?

Yes, strong, dry winds can dehydrate the leaves faster than the roots can supply water. This often results in brown, crispy edges.

Black poplar: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is completely dry.
Check the local weather for recent heat waves.
Examine the leaf margins for signs of insect damage.

Likely causes

Drought stress
Possible
How to tell: The tips of the leaves become crispy and brown while the rest of the leaf may look dull. This happens when the tree does not get water for more than 14 days.
What to do: Water the tree deeply once every 7 to 14 days. Apply a 2 inch layer of mulch around the base to help the soil retain moisture.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl slightly and the tips turn brown during periods of extreme heat. The tree looks tired despite having moist soil.
What to do: Provide extra water during heat waves to keep the root zone cool. If the tree is in a container, move it to a spot with afternoon shade.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your black poplar

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

If the browning continues to spread inward toward the leaf veins, the tree is likely suffering from severe dehydration. Minor browning at the very tips is normal during the hottest part of summer.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule and use mulch to keep the roots cool and moist. This helps the tree handle temperature fluctuations better.

Black poplar: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

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

Should I trim off the brown tips?: You can trim them for aesthetic reasons, but it will not fix the underlying cause. Use clean scissors and cut just outside the green tissue.
Does wind cause brown tips on poplars?: Yes, strong, dry winds can dehydrate the leaves faster than the roots can supply water. This often results in brown, crispy edges.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my black poplar's leaf tips turning brown?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your black poplar?