Do some plants suffer sunburn?

Question

Particularly we are wondering about Holly and Cryptomeria Japonica?

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Answer 1

Yes, plants can suffer sunburn, especially if they have water deficit, - not watered adequately.

But that does not appear to be what's going on with the holly. It appears to be the inner canopy leaves and not the outer, exposed leaves that are browned.

Even the Cryptomeria, that is extreme die-back when the surrounding plants look better. Could there be some other factor? not enough water, soil disturbance and root damage, gopher damage, herbicide exposure?