Catalpa Leaves - Ask Extension
Hi there!
We recently planted a catalpa tree in our front yard. The tree has been seemingly doing well, but some of the leaves have recently started ...
Knowledgebase
Catalpa Leaves #650546
Asked June 13, 2020, 7:52 PM EDT
Hi there!
We recently planted a catalpa tree in our front yard. The tree has been seemingly doing well, but some of the leaves have recently started curling a bit and don’t look great. Wondering what this is and what we could do to help.
Thanks!
Galen
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
I have a few questions for you about your tree:
--Could you include a picture of the whole tree? From what you've said, I'm assuming that the tree as a whole looks healthy, but you are seeing some leaves that curl and have brown edges.
--On the leaves that are curled, do you see any evidence of insects? The insects themselves, or perhaps eggs, cottony masses?
--Are your leaves fully grown, or still expanding? Catalpas tend to leaf out a bit later than some trees, and with our spring freeze were often much more delayed.
While it is possible that it is an insect or other issue, my suspicion is that it may not be. The freeze that we had in April brought temperatures down to 12 degrees in some areas. The buds on many trees, catalpas included, were affected. The bud may not have been totally killed but have sustained some damage, leading to necrotic (dead tissue) areas in the leaf. As the leaf grows, it can look puffy and curl, because the necrotic areas do not grow and expand like the surrounding cells. Looking as carefully as I can with your pictures, I suspect that may be the problem. There is nothing to do if that is the issue....just leave the leaves on. The remaining healthy part of the leaf will continue to function.
But just to be sure, do check for signs of any other indicators of insects or diseases, and certainly contact us if the problem seems to be different from this.
I have a few questions for you about your tree:
--Could you include a picture of the whole tree? From what you've said, I'm assuming that the tree as a whole looks healthy, but you are seeing some leaves that curl and have brown edges.
--On the leaves that are curled, do you see any evidence of insects? The insects themselves, or perhaps eggs, cottony masses?
--Are your leaves fully grown, or still expanding? Catalpas tend to leaf out a bit later than some trees, and with our spring freeze were often much more delayed.
While it is possible that it is an insect or other issue, my suspicion is that it may not be. The freeze that we had in April brought temperatures down to 12 degrees in some areas. The buds on many trees, catalpas included, were affected. The bud may not have been totally killed but have sustained some damage, leading to necrotic (dead tissue) areas in the leaf. As the leaf grows, it can look puffy and curl, because the necrotic areas do not grow and expand like the surrounding cells. Looking as carefully as I can with your pictures, I suspect that may be the problem. There is nothing to do if that is the issue....just leave the leaves on. The remaining healthy part of the leaf will continue to function.
But just to be sure, do check for signs of any other indicators of insects or diseases, and certainly contact us if the problem seems to be different from this.
