Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil around the base of the trunk.
- Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for tiny insects.
- Look for signs of wilting on the rest of the tree.
Likely causes
Drought stress
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves look shriveled or curled inward during the hottest parts of the day. You will notice the soil is dry several inches down.
What to do: Give the tree a deep soak by running a hose at the base for 30 to 60 minutes. Apply a 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to help the soil hold onto water.
Aphid infestation
PossibleHow to tell: You see tiny green or black insects on the undersides of the leaves. The leaves may also look sticky or shiny from honeydew.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock the bugs off. If they persist, use an insecticidal soap spray once a week until they are gone.
Find out what's wrong with your black locust
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.
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When to worry
Be concerned if the curling persists after a deep watering or if the leaves begin to turn brown and brittle. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly during a very hot afternoon as a natural defense against water loss.
Stopping it coming back
Keep a layer of organic mulch around the tree to keep the roots cool and moist. Water deeply during dry spells to prevent the tree from getting stressed.
Black Locust: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black locust 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Will my tree die if the leaves curl?
- Usually no, as long as you address the water needs. The tree is just trying to protect itself from losing too much moisture.
- Should I fertilize a tree with curled leaves?
- No, do not fertilize a stressed tree. Wait until it has recovered and looks healthy again before adding any nutrients.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Black Locust
Back to the Black Locust guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.