Should I trim off the brown tips?

You can trim them for looks, but it is not necessary for the tree's health. Use clean, sharp shears to avoid damaging the leaf tissue.

Can wind cause brown tips?

Yes, strong, dry winds can dehydrate leaves faster than the roots can supply water. This is more common in young, exposed trees.

Chokecherry: brown tips, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture at the base of the tree.
Look for signs of recent drought or high heat.
Observe if the browning is on the side facing a road.

Likely causes

Drought Stress
Most likely
How to tell: The edges and tips of the leaves turn brown and crispy. This often happens during hot, dry summer weeks.
What to do: Water the tree deeply once every 7 to 14 days. Apply 5 to 10 gallons of water slowly at the base to ensure it reaches the roots.
Salt Damage
Possible
How to tell: The tips turn brown after a winter where road salt was used nearby. The damage often appears on the side of the tree facing the road or sidewalk.
What to do: Flush the soil around the tree with plenty of fresh water in the spring to wash away salts. Apply a layer of organic mulch to protect the roots from future salt buildup.

Brown tips on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chokecherry

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 progresses to the entire leaf or causes premature leaf drop. Minor tip browning is common during peak summer heat.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule during the first few years of growth. Use mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.

Chokecherry: brown tips? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chokecherry 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?: You can trim them for looks, but it is not necessary for the tree's health. Use clean, sharp shears to avoid damaging the leaf tissue.
Can wind cause brown tips?: Yes, strong, dry winds can dehydrate leaves faster than the roots can supply water. This is more common in young, exposed trees.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why are my chokecherry leaves getting brown tips?