Cleveland pear tree leaves yellow with brown spots - Ask Extension
What would cause most of the leaves on all three 40 feet Cleveland flowering pear trees in our front yard to turn yellow with brown spots and start fa...
Knowledgebase
Cleveland pear tree leaves yellow with brown spots #790917
Asked May 15, 2022, 5:30 PM EDT
What would cause most of the leaves on all three 40 feet Cleveland flowering pear trees in our front yard to turn yellow with brown spots and start falling in May (right now)? The leaves are literally falling now versus in the fall. As you can see from the pictures, the leaves have a yellowish/orange color with brown spots. We have an irrigation system and we are currently watering it 3 days a week at 4:00AM for 15 minutes in each zone. All three trees are in one zone so they get the same amount of water.
Henrico County Virginia
Expert Response
Yellow leaves could be a sign of a couple issues. Nutritional-especially Nitrogen-can cause yellowing of the leaves. Have you taken a soil test? Fertilized the Pear trees? It is very important that you test the soil so you know what is going on nutritionally before fertilizing.
The other issue could be overwater. If the trees are established, I am not sure that need that much irrigation especially this spring where we have had some good rainfall. Overwatering or poor drainage can also cause yellowing of foliage.
Check and make sure that the soil is draining well. Take a soil test and begin looking at both of these issues. You are welcomed to bring a sample into the office for examination.
Good luck with the pear trees!
The other issue could be overwater. If the trees are established, I am not sure that need that much irrigation especially this spring where we have had some good rainfall. Overwatering or poor drainage can also cause yellowing of foliage.
Check and make sure that the soil is draining well. Take a soil test and begin looking at both of these issues. You are welcomed to bring a sample into the office for examination.
Good luck with the pear trees!
