Wind scorch

also called Wind burn, Salt scorch

Brown, dried and crisped leaf edges on the windward side of plants, from drying winds or salt-laden coastal gales.

Disorder Disfiguring Doesn't spread

What you'll see

Browning and crisping of leaf margins and tips, worst on the side facing the wind
Evergreens go bronze or brown, often only on their exposed face
New shoots blacken and shrivel after a windy spell
Growth is one-sided, leaning or flagging away from the prevailing wind
Near the coast, a salty white deposit may be left on scorched leaves

Why it happens

Dry or cold wind pulls moisture from the leaves faster than the roots can replace it, so the thinnest tissue at the margins dries out and dies. On the coast, salt carried in the wind draws water out of the leaf and burns it directly.

Comes with strong cold spring winds while roots are still in cold soil, drying summer gales, and any exposed or funnelled site. Coastal and roadside gardens also face salt spray, and winter road salt can scorch nearby plants.

Treating it

Water thoroughly after windy spells so plants can rehydrate
Rinse salt off coastal foliage with fresh water where practical
Wait until growth resumes before trimming out scorched shoots, as buds below may recover
Move vulnerable pot plants to a sheltered spot

Keeping it away

Plant or build a permeable windbreak, such as a hedge or slatted fence, that filters rather than blocks wind
Choose tough, small-leaved or coastal plants for exposed and seaside gardens
Shelter newly planted and tender subjects with temporary netting or fleece
Avoid planting large-leaved and tender plants in known wind funnels

Who gets it

Broad-leaved evergreens such as laurel, pieris and Japanese maples scorch readily, along with any tender or newly planted subject in an exposed or coastal spot.