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Pawpaw tree losing leaves #834360

Asked June 07, 2023, 2:06 PM EDT

We have a Pawpaw tree that has been growing less than 2’ from a large maple in our front yard. In the 16 years we’ve lived here, it has been healthy and loses its leaves as normal in autumn. This past week after a brief wind and rain storm, a bunch of leaves fell, and now continue slowly dropping. The downed leaves are a mixture of fresh, bright green and dried and dark green. The canopy is likewise. No disease appears on the leaves or trunk. Can something as simple as the brief drought we’ve had cause this? Severe ones over the years never have. See pics following. Thank you.

Fairfield County Ohio

Expert Response

Hi Edward! How frustrating! Have you been watering the tree? Sometimes over-watering will cause the problem you've described. Just to eliminate any concerns, I would recommend a soil test. I have included a link for Fairfield County Extension Office so you can get a soil test from them. I wouldn't fertilize or try to do soil amendments until you know about the health of your soil.

I've included a couple links to give you info on your tree and possible problems.

Pawpaw | Home & Garden Information Center (clemson.edu)

Preventing and Treating Iron Chlorosis in Trees and Shrubs | Forestry | Extension | USU

Soil Testing | Fairfield (osu.edu)

Karen M Replied June 11, 2023, 4:28 PM EDT

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