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Browning leaves on Witch Hazel #814323

Asked October 15, 2022, 12:55 PM EDT

Hello. I planted a Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' witch hazel in my backyard 4 years ago. This year it did not bloom as usual, even though it tried a couple of times (I can only imagine the odd weather had something to do with that), then I noticed the brown spots on some of the lower leaves. I thought perhaps I was not giving it enough water and it seemed like the browning slowed with more watering. But now I find even more browning on new leaves. I do not see any bugs on the underside of the leaves even though one leaf is riddled with little holes. Any ideas and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Theresa Holte

Jackson County Oregon

Expert Response

Witch Hazel is certainly a beautiful fall tree as it turns color. However, those dark brown patches are alarming. They may be a symptom of an abiotic disorder (not insect caused) such as lack of water (Is it planted on or at the edge of a lawn? These  shrubby trees can't compete with lawns for water.) The one leaf close-up shows the browning skipped the vein--this is sometimes the mark of a bacterial diso
marjorie n. OSU Ext. Master Gardener Replied October 19, 2022, 10:37 PM EDT

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