For those who live where summers are dry, the soil and root-ball can dry out, quickly causing the leaves to brown and scorch.

Source: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/garden/1786711/how-to-avoid-damaging-japanese-maple-tree

Other common tampering warning signs include burn or scorch marks, which could accompany a burning smell or, in more serious cases, sparks.

Source: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/anglesey-woman-hit-big-bill-27494239

The study comes as spring fires scorch western Canada during an unusually hot and dry spring, with about burning across the province of Alberta.

Source: https://grist.org/accountability/study-a-third-of-the-wests-burned-forests-can-be-traced-to-fossil-fuel-companies/

The transformer - 130 tonnes of twisted metal, dangling wires and scorch marks where cooling oil leaked and caught fire - is not easy to replace.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-64467774?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA