The browning of the leaves in winter is a completely natural process for the hornbeam. They dry up in autumn but remain on the tree for a very long time. It's different when the hornbeam gets brown leaves in spring or summer.
Why is my hornbeam getting brown leaves?
Brown leaves on a hornbeam can be caused by dryness, a location that is too moist, fungal attack (e.g. leaf spot fungus or mildew) or natural loss of leaves in winter. Make sure you have enough water and nutrients and treat fungal infections if necessary.
Causes of brown leaves on hornbeams
- Hornbeam is too dry
- Location too humid
- Fungal infestation
- brown leaves in winter
Fungal infestation is often present. This can be the leaf spot fungus, which is noticeable through small yellow and brown spots on the leaves.
Mildew can also cause brown leaves if a severe infestation is not treated.
In dry summers, you should water younger hornbeams occasionally to prevent the trees from getting brown leaves.
Tip
Hornbeams can cope with very dry soil for a short time but also with flooding. If the phases last too long, the leaves turn brown and the tree dies.