7 Reasons Your Plants Are Turning Brown In Victoria, BC

It’s one of the most frustrating things for any homeowner or gardener: a once-thriving plant starts turning brown. Leaves curl or drop, flowers shrivel, and the whole plant seems to fade—sometimes slowly, sometimes overnight.

So, what’s going wrong?

At Ascent Yard Care, we diagnose plant health issues across Victoria and the South Island every day. Whether it’s one stressed shrub or an entire garden in decline, we help homeowners figure out what’s causing the damage—and how to fix it.

Below are the most common reasons your plants may be turning brown—plus when it’s time to call in professional help.

1. Watering Problems: Too Much or Too Little

This is the #1 cause of browning plants.

• Underwatering leads to crispy, dry leaves, especially at the tips
• Overwatering can cause root rot, yellowing, then browning from the inside out
• Poor drainage is a huge issue in Victoria’s clay soils, leading to standing water even with careful watering

Solution: Check the soil. It should be moist but not soggy. Improve drainage or add compost. Adjust watering habits based on the plant’s needs, sun exposure, and soil type.

2. Seasonal Stress or Temperature Shock

South Island weather is mild—but unpredictable. Sudden heatwaves, cold snaps, wind exposure, or late frosts can cause browning, especially in broadleaf evergreens, rhododendrons, and tender perennials.

Solution: Prune back damaged parts, mulch roots, and consider windbreaks or seasonal covers if needed.

3. Sun Scorch or Shade Imbalance

Even “full sun” plants can brown in intense summer heat, especially when combined with reflective surfaces (like fences or patios). On the flip side, too much shade can weaken plants and cause browning due to disease or poor air circulation.

Solution: Reposition plants, adjust watering, or thin overhead trees to manage light exposure.

4. Nutrient Deficiencies

Brown edges, curling leaves, or pale foliage may point to a lack of nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, or iron. South Island soils are often acidic and nutrient-poor, especially after heavy rains.

Solution: Apply a slow-release fertilizer or compost in spring and fall. Consider a soil test to target the right nutrients.

5. Pests or Disease

Fungal infections, root rot, mildew, weevils, aphids, or even vine weevil larvae can all cause browning. Root-level issues often go unseen until it’s too late.

Solution: Inspect under leaves and at the base of the plant. Remove infected material. Ascent Yard Care can help diagnose and treat complex issues.

6. Pruning Mistakes

Cutting at the wrong time or making incorrect cuts can stress plants, expose them to disease, or shock them into dormancy. Rhododendrons, roses, hydrangeas, and other common Victoria plants are particularly timing-sensitive.

Solution: Prune with care—or call a professional. We follow species-specific pruning calendars to avoid bloom loss and browning stress.

7. Soil Compaction or Poor Airflow

In beds that haven’t been aerated, amended, or properly maintained, roots struggle to breathe. This leads to slow decline, visible in browning tips, weak stems, and poor growth.

Solution: Aerate soil, add compost or mulch, and create more space between crowded plants.

How to Know When It’s Time to Call for Help

If you’ve:

• Tried adjusting water and light
• Removed the brown parts but they keep coming back
• Lost multiple plants in one area
• Or simply feel unsure what the problem is…

Ascent Yard Care can help.

We diagnose plant health issues all across Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, View Royal, Langford, and the South Island, providing:

• Professional assessments and recommendations
• Pruning and restoration services
• Soil building, composting, and mulching
• Plant replacements and replanting strategies
• Ongoing garden care programs for long-term success

Your Garden Can Recover. Let’s Bring It Back.

Don’t wait for more plants to die before taking action. The sooner you intervene, the more you can save—and the faster your garden will bounce back.