Curling tree leaves are classic indicator of herbicide damage

Q: The leaves of our Greenspire Linden are curling. Do you think they’ll recover? — MM.

A: The curling, cupping and abnormal growth of leaves shown in the photo are classic symptoms compatible with herbicide exposure.

Trees can be exposed to herbicides in several ways, including spray drift or volatization through the air, but also through the root system, as some active ingredients readily move down through the soil and are easily absorbed by roots and taken internally into the tree’s system.

Will the tree recover? Much depends on the herbicide product that caused the damage and its active ingredients. Some herbicides are more damaging long term than others. There's not much that can be done, other than wait-and-see. There’s no effective way to reverse the condition once the herbicid