Trees - Japanese Snowball
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(October) I have a Japanese ornamental tree -- Japanese Snowbell (Styrax Japonicus) that has been planted for four years. I have a recurring problem - in that the leaves turns brown and dry, starting from the tip in. This process begins in hot weather and continues until shedding. It is planted in a Garden Home concrete patio - inside a six foot wooden privacy fence. I try to keep it watered frequently - thinking that the heat generated in this area, with all the brick and concrete, is the cause of this. I prune it in the fall, because I want to keep it a manageable size for a patio foliage. It always leafs out in the spring and blooms tiny flowers and appears healthy. The brown, dry looking leaves, however, spoils the beauty. If you could offer "any" advice, I would be most grateful.

  I would say it has to be heat and/or sun related, especially since it only occurs during hot, dry times. How much sunlight does it get? Styrax prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. I am surprised it still blooms even though you prune it hard in the fall. I would think you would be removing flower buds by late season pruning. Any pruning would best be done after bloom in the spring. If the plant is in filtered light, other than water, you may try mulching the area well to help conserve moisture. There are also those water absorbing granules that can be lightly mixed into the soil to help conserve moisture, but use them sparingly. If it is sunlight that is the cause, you may have to relocate the tree, or provide some shade.

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