The leaves and bark of fruit trees provide indications of the tree’s state of health. Fruit tree problem diagnosis based on the appearance of foliage may show various mineral shortages. The apple disease pictures shown below provide examples of apple tree problems. If you have a fruit tree problem, consider using our Trees in Trouble service to solve it.
1. Healthy leaves, apple
No mineral shortages.
2. Healthy leaves, pear
No mineral shortages.
3. Healthy leaves, plum
No mineral shortages.
4. Apple, potash deficiency
5. Apple, potash deficiency
6. Apple, early stages of iron deficiency
7. Apple, iron deficiency
Apple tree leaf problems provide some useful indications on tree health and mineral balance.
8. Apple, characteristics of Cox disease
9. Apple, physiological/genetical Cox Orange Pippin shortcomings
10. Apple, signs of water shortage/drought
11. Apple, signs of water shortage/drought
12. Appple, signs of water shortage/drought
13. Apple, water shortage/drought/localised leaf deterioration
14. Apple, crown rot fungus attack
15. Apple, leaf curling aphids
Apple tree aphids produce this characteristic curling and colouring.
16. Rosy apple aphid attack
17. Rosy apple aphid damage
18. Apple, green aphid attack
19. Apple, caterpillar damage
20. Apple, caterpillar damage
21. Apple, caterpillar damage
22. Apple, spray damage
23. Apple, damage caused by mice during the winter months
For an apple tree, protection from mice is important. Keep mulch away from the trunk. Here is a video explaining the benefits of mulch and how to avoid mice damage.
24. Pear, leaf blister mite
The trees are infected with Leaf Blister Mite. In this case, a hedge close to the pear trees is the winter host for the mite. To control Leaf Blister Mite in pear trees, collect all infected leaves in November/December and remove from the garden, and ensure that the tree have enough water from May onwards. If the trees are young (1-2 years), consider transplanting to move the trees away from the hedge as far as possible. The best time to do this is December/January. Once transplanted, use farmyard manure and Growmore to give the trees a new start in life.
25. Pear, water shortage and competition with grass
The tree is suffering from acute starvation and continuous drought, caused by competition with grass. Grass is the worst enemy of young fruit trees. The clearest possible evidence is the appearance of black leaves on the pear trees. This shows that the trees are on the point of giving up all together. To save trees that have reached this stage, remove immediately all grass around the trunks of each tree, one square meter as a minimum. This clear area has to be maintained throughout the year, for at least the next 3 years. To alleviate the shortage of minerals and organic substances, apply well rotted straw-based farmyard manure. In March, apply “Grow More” fertilizer evenly spread over the clean soil area around each trunk of the trees. Follow the recommendations on the packet, do not over dose. Here is a video showing the same problem of a pear tree suffering from competition with grass.
26. Pear, water shortage and competition with grass
As above, the tree is suffering from acute starvation and continuous drought, caused by competition with grass.
27. Pear, mottled leaf caused by virus
28. Plum, acute water shortage caused by competition with grass
29. Raspberry, iron deficiency
30. Raspberry, iron deficiency
31. Peach leaf curl disease
