Cause: Leaf scorch is caused by the inability of the plant roots to bring up enough water to the leaves during dry, hot weather, particularly on windy days following several rainy days. Scorch often is followed by premature leaf drop. Needles of pines, firs, or spruces show scorch as a brown discoloration on the leaf tips. Scorch on conifer needles may be the result of hot, dry weather, but in the north central states it is more commonly the result of high winds in dry, cold weather when soil moisture is locked up in ice. The real problem is usually the soil--either it is too dry because of drought, or roots have rotted from overly wet periods preceding the drought. Recently transplanted trees are very susceptible because they have not yet established an extensive root system.