without pix.. i wonder how you rule out frost/ freeze ... did you have any minor cold event in the last two weeks ...

just doesnt seem its been hot enough for scorch ... in may ... or drought this time of year ...

ken

No, no freezes.

I noticed this about late April, but none then, either. Here are pics. I hope you can see.

'Otake'

'Fireglow'

I have a Korean Spice Viburnum that has started to verigate. Maybe 5 years ago, on the same branches. This year, the white part is burned.

Scorching/damage on many plants here from severe May frosts. Of course there are also other reasons for such damage.

We had no severe May frosts, as I mentioned. I also mentioned I watched this from mid-April until today. :( "Other reasons" would be interesting to hear.

I agree that the damage looks more like cold damage than anything else. 'Scorch' is more closely related to water stress than sun exposure.

But if no extreme temp events, then cold damage is questionable. What were the temps like when the buds first started to leaf out? Sometimes the appearance of the damage is not immediate........

Was anything sprayed on these trees? Any fungicide or insecticides?

IKR!?

We've had a lot of days in April and May in the 50s but unlike the mountains on the other wide of the WDC area, no frost.

No, I don't spray and my neighbor bleeds green. I should check to see what his gardens are doing.

I really didn't expect a diagnosis. In all the years I've been here, I don't do that. Sure, ideas are helpful, but without in person observation? It's usually not successful.

Just wondering if anyone else was experiencing this or if it was just me and mine?