Peach Tree problems - Ask Extension
I planted this tree about two years ago, probably making it 4 years old. Some of the leaves (Less than 5%) are turning yellow, then turning to orang...
Knowledgebase
Peach Tree problems #570506
Asked June 14, 2019, 9:45 PM EDT
I planted this tree about two years ago, probably making it 4 years old. Some of the leaves (Less than 5%) are turning yellow, then turning to orange. I have removed all that I can reach and they come off without resistance. Some have fallen.
Additionally, the bark does not appear as smooth as I would expect in a young tree. Can you advise if I have some sort of disease (other than the month of May) and what actions I can take? Thank you.
Additionally, the bark does not appear as smooth as I would expect in a young tree. Can you advise if I have some sort of disease (other than the month of May) and what actions I can take? Thank you.
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
I think you hit on the problem when you wrote "the month of May." I do not think the yellow leaves or the bark are symptoms of disease.
Trees around Denver are stressed (first from rain, then cold, more rain, then snow, then hail, hail again, and finally more rain!) Many tree canopies are looking thin and there is lots of dieback. Some had their first set of leaves frozen around Mother's Day and are having to push a second set. It takes a while for a tree to express symptoms and yellow leaves are often a sign of drowning because excess water squeezes out all the oxygen at the roots. We're about a month out now, so it makes sense that your yellow leaves are weather-related not disease-related.
I would check moisture levels by sticking a screwdriver into the soil in several places around the drip line (where the canopy ends). The soils may be drying out now, but if you have an automatic irrigation system, try to turn it off if we're getting precipitation.
Trees around Denver are stressed (first from rain, then cold, more rain, then snow, then hail, hail again, and finally more rain!) Many tree canopies are looking thin and there is lots of dieback. Some had their first set of leaves frozen around Mother's Day and are having to push a second set. It takes a while for a tree to express symptoms and yellow leaves are often a sign of drowning because excess water squeezes out all the oxygen at the roots. We're about a month out now, so it makes sense that your yellow leaves are weather-related not disease-related.
I would check moisture levels by sticking a screwdriver into the soil in several places around the drip line (where the canopy ends). The soils may be drying out now, but if you have an automatic irrigation system, try to turn it off if we're getting precipitation.
