Will the leaves uncurl?

Once a leaf is damaged or curled by pests, it will not return to its original shape. New growth should appear healthy once the pest is managed.

Are these beetles harmful to other plants?

Elm leaf beetles are highly host specific and primarily target elm trees. They are unlikely to bother your other garden plants.

Why are my Siberian elm leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look at the underside of the leaves for small larvae.
Check if the leaves are skeletonized or just curled.
Feel the soil to see if the tree is thirsty.

Likely causes

Elm leaf beetle
Most likely
How to tell: Leaves look like lace or have brown, skeletonized edges and curled margins.
What to do: Apply a systemic insecticide containing imidacloprid to the soil around the base in early spring. For smaller trees, you can use a high pressure water spray to knock larvae off the leaves.
Severe heat stress
Possible
How to tell: Leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day to conserve moisture.
What to do: Provide a deep, slow soak around the drip line during dry spells. Apply a 3 inch layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and retain moisture.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your siberian elm

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

It is serious if the entire canopy is skeletonized, as this weakens the tree over time. Some curling during extreme heat is a normal protective response.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the tree healthy with proper watering to help it resist pest attacks. Monitor for beetle activity in late spring.

Siberian elm: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your siberian elm 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 the leaves uncurl?: Once a leaf is damaged or curled by pests, it will not return to its original shape. New growth should appear healthy once the pest is managed.
Are these beetles harmful to other plants?: Elm leaf beetles are highly host specific and primarily target elm trees. They are unlikely to bother your other garden plants.

Why are my Siberian elm leaves curling?