smoke tree leaves

Question

I have brown tips on the leaves. Could it be a fungus?

Answer 1

In most cases, brown tips of leaves are caused by environmental factors. The most common are explained in this article:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/what-causes-brown-edges-on-leaves-of-plant.htm

There is a serious fungal disease known as Verticillium wilt which can affect smoke tree. In this case, you would most likely see an entire branch or multiple branches full of leaves turning brown and dying. The symptoms would start on one part of the tree and gradually spread. Here is more about this disease:

https://extension.psu.edu/pests/plant-diseases/all-fact-sheets/verticillium-wilt-in-trees