If you notice your peach treeleaves turning yellow, this can be an early sign of a problem.
Natural Yellowing
Before you panic, dont forget thatdeciduous treesshed their leaves every fall.
Want more gardening tips?
John Coletti / Getty Images
How to Fix
Dropping deciduous leaves isnt something you’re able to fix.
Lack of Light
Peach trees are sun lovers.
Planting this species too close to a shade-making building or taller tree could result in yellowing leaves.
Cavan Images / Getty Images
Transplant or plant your peach tree in a location that receives around 8 hours of full sun daily.
Underwatering
This causes the tree’s roots to shrivel and become damaged or die.
Water needs vary depending on the size of your peach tree and temperatures.
Olga Rolenko / Getty Images
However, providing around one inch of water per week is a good guideline for established trees.
Young saplings might need watering as much as every two to three days.
Avoid watering only at the base of the tree’s trunk.
Covering the soil around the tree with a 3to 4-inchlayer of mulchhelps retain moisture, especially during scorching summers.
This means you might not have to water as often.
Avoid letting your peach tree roots stand in saturated soils for prolonged periods.
Soil testingcan help you determine whether your peach tree’s soil requires more manganese or iron.
Shothole Fungal Disease
Peach trees can be prone to shothole fungal disease (Coryneum blight).
The first signs are small red spots with yellow margins that develop into holes in the leaves.
It can also cause puckering, thickening, stunting, and eventual dropping of infected foliage.
The disease tends to appear in the cool, wet springtime.
Unfortunately, once the signs of this disease are visible, its not possible to control it.
Vigilance and quick action before infestations get out of control is your best line of defense.
Often, its possible to get rid of aphids or similar pests with a strong jet of water.
Alternatively, apply a thorough coating of aninsecticidal soapor organic insecticide, such asneem oil.
Its best to wait until the roots are dry to prevent the risk of rot developing.
In hot summers, you may need to water once a week or every few days for new saplings.
Older trees in areas with adequate precipitation may only need watering once a month.
Peach trees thrive in a full-sun position, where they receive at least 8 hours of direct sun.
Without this, leaves will yellow, and fruit will not set well.
Phytophthora Crown, Collar and Root Rot of Apple and Cherry.Washington State University Comprehensive Tree Fruit Site.
Coryneum or Shothole Blight.Utah State University Plant Health Extension.
