Question
Hello. I have a ten foot stewartia I planted this passed spring. It receives all morning sun and couple hours of early afternoon sun. What I've read tells me the tree should not get too much hot afternoon sun. The foliage appears healthy, however, there are some leaves that have brown edges and some are brown from the tip back to the petiole. It had this the day I planted the tree. It's planted in rather loamy soil and I added a generous amount of compost. The leaves are not what concern me so much. The flower buds get to the size of cotton balls and then drop off. They get brown and pull off easily leaving a browned anther. Please help. Thank you taking the time to answer this.  Steve Magee

Answer
Steve:

Check buds for thrips (tiny insects-1-2mm and they are fast moving too). These insect can cause bud/flower damage and drop.  Browning of leaf edges usually indicates a root stress- i.e. water imbalances or nutrient imbalance.  You might want to consider getting your soil tested at your local county Extension office- usually free.  If salts are high in the soil, leaf margins can brown up.

Steve