Not sure whether to post this in trees or shrubs or the New England forum (cross-posting in shrubs):

My neighbor's mature witch hazel is showing some serious signs of distress. We aren't sure if the symptoms are related or not. First, there are what appear to be rust spots on the leaves (visible in the second picture). More seriously, every branch has some green (relatively normal looking) leaves, and some totally dry and curled ones. It has been very hot and dry in New England recently -- could the leaf damage be simply stress from the heat and drought? I have witch hazels in my yard (two doors away) as well, and have some of the rust spots, but not the dry, curled foliage.

Any suggestions as to what might be going on (and what to do about it) would be most welcome!

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