Chitalpa New Growth with Burnt Leaf Tips: Herbicide Damage Likely

Diagnosis

Brown tips on all new spring leaves of a Chitalpa in a lawn suggest herbicide injury—likely from “weed-and-feed” lawn fertilizer containing broadleaf herbicide. Watering and fertilization changes are less likely to cause tip-only burn.

Action

• Stop using herbicide-containing lawn products near the tree.
• Water deeply to leach any residual herbicide.
• Fertilize tree separately with tree-specific formula.
• New growth should emerge normal once exposure stops.

Always read lawn product labels; many harm trees.