This disease is most severe under cooler and moist spring conditions.

Mar 21, Similarly, why are the leaves on my maple tree turning red? Your tree's leaves start to change colors, even under normal conditions, due to a lack of chlorophyll.

In the case of tree leaves turning partially red too early, especially in maples, branch dieback is often to blame. Additionally, a nitrogen deficiency may be present. Apr 10, In the case of tree leaves turning partially red too early, especially in maples, branch dieback is often to blame. Additionally, a nitrogen deficiency may be present.

Dealing with Stressed Out Plants and Early Leaf Color ChangeEstimated Reading Time: 2 mins. Sep 25, The new growth that emerges in the spring can be killed back, turning a blackened color. This growth will eventually drop from the tree. The problem is referred to as scorch. Scorch occurs when the plant loses more moisture through the leaf tissue than can be supplied by the root and vascular system, such as during periods of prolonged drought.