Apple Tree Health - Ask Extension
I have several young apple trees that started to leaf out but now the leafs are starting to curl and die. (see photos) Have not sprayed then yet thi...
Knowledgebase
Apple Tree Health #401597
Asked May 22, 2017, 11:13 AM EDT
I have several young apple trees that started to leaf out but now the leafs are starting to curl and die. (see photos) Have not sprayed then yet this year.
Thanks, Mike
Chisago County Minnesota
Expert Response
The photo suggests the trees might have suffered winter damage. They might not have been well enough established to meet the challenge.
According to Dr. Emily Hoover, U of MN faculty, "healthy new growth in spring sometimes suddenly shrivels and dies because the tree has enough stored carbohydrates in the wood to get the buds growing but the underlying vascular tissue that conducts water has died or been significantly injured. When the first warmish days arrive, and water is needed, the buds wilt and die due to a lack of water from the root system."
According to Dr. Emily Hoover, U of MN faculty, "healthy new growth in spring sometimes suddenly shrivels and dies because the tree has enough stored carbohydrates in the wood to get the buds growing but the underlying vascular tissue that conducts water has died or been significantly injured. When the first warmish days arrive, and water is needed, the buds wilt and die due to a lack of water from the root system."
