Leaf scorch is a condition that causes tree and plant leaves to appear browned, dried or “burned” around the edges, often mimicking signs of drought stress or early leaf drop.

It typically shows up during late summer and early fall, especially after periods of intense heat, dry weather, or high winds. The damage occurs when a plant loses more water through its leaves than it can take in through its roots, leading to dehydration and tissue damage.

While leaf scorch can happen anytime, it’s especially noticeable in the fall, when we expect vibrant foliage. But with hotter, drier conditions lingering later into the season, leaves are under more stress.

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Warm fall temperatures, combined with low soil moisture, can trigger scorch before trees have a chance to properly transition into dormancy. As a result, leaves may turn brown or drop early, leading to a less colorful and shorter fall foliage season.

Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.