Outdoor Ferns Have Brown Tips

Question From: OREGON
Q: Couldn't find the answer on your FAQs.....my outdoor ferns (Zone 8, Portland Oregon area) are well established, but this year most have brown tips - just the very end of fronds in a triangle shape, not on the sides. Rest of all the plants looks fine, and we've had normal Northwest Spring rains. No soil changes, no harsh Winter etc. Ferns are in various locations in garden, none with intense sun. Also no sign of pests at all, so assuming it's environmental? Thanks, Judy

A: Fertilizer will cause tip burn as will lack of water. We too had a wet spring but then the rain stopped and the soil quickly dried out. I would take photos and leaf samples in a plastic bag to and independent garden center or nursery that sells the plants for a more accurate ID..Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.