Why apple leaves can turn yellow and dry, what to do and how to treat
During growth, fruit trees are often exposed to negative external influences and die. In case of unstable weather, frost and the development of infections, the trunk, leaves and crown of green spaces may be damaged. Asking the question of why the leaves of the apple tree turn yellow, it is necessary to understand the causes of the problem and take measures to restore it.
Common causes of yellowing leaves and their solutions
In practice, gardeners are faced with a number of standard reasons due to which the leaves of apple trees change color, after which they dry out and fall off. Having found out the exact cause, based on certain symptoms, it will be possible to find a solution and save the plant.
Why do the leaves turn yellow?
In most situations, yellowing of vegetation provokes improper care or the presence of an external irritant. Plant healing methods depend on the specific cause of the disease.
Diseases
Fruit rot is a common apple disease. A pronounced sign of the disease is yellowing of the leaves in early June with the onset of the first warmth.
For the prevention of diseases, it is necessary to treat the seedlings with agents from the fungicidal category.
Pests
The leaves and buds of trees are most often affected by the hawthorn mite, which is able to suck out the nutrients necessary for proper growth and intensive fruiting. Weakened leaves fall off, and yield is significantly reduced. Spraying with insecticidal preparations is required to scare off pests.
Top dressing
The lack of nutrients in the soil slows down the development of new shoots and negatively affects the growth of foliage. It is recommended to apply top dressing with the addition of iron and phosphorus to the soil on which the apple trees are grown.
Fertilizers
It is necessary to fertilize the land with fruit plantations several times during the season. Suitable fertilizers:
- ammonium nitrate;
- humus;
- infusion of chicken droppings.
Ground water
Excessive accumulation of groundwater leads to root rot. As a result, the disease spreads to the upper part of the trees, and the bulk of the leaves turn yellow. To prevent the problem, you should choose the right landing site.
Problems arising on a young apple tree
On young seedlings, the problem of yellowing foliage occurs more often than on rooted trees. Newly planted apple trees should be well cared for so that the plants adapt to their environment.
Yellowing of seedlings
The discoloration of the leaves on the seedlings is due to an incorrectly selected place or deepening. In the wrong place, the roots will not have enough oxygen due to high soil moisture. Exceeding the planting depth by 10-15 cm also interferes with root development.
Seasonal yellowing of leaves
Fighting damage to foliage on apple trees should be taking into account the current season. Inexperienced gardeners often find that leaf growth deteriorates in early spring and hot weather.
Spring
The appearance of yellow leaves in the spring is due to the defeat of brown spot or scab. Fallen leaves must be raked and destroyed, and the tree must be treated with a Bordeaux mixture.
Summer
With the onset of heat, the rapid yellowing of vegetation provokes an excess or severe deficiency of trace elements. Also, the disease may be associated with physiological disorders of the vital activity of trees.
Other causes of yellowing
There are special cases when apple trees wither and fruits fall from them. Each case has individual symptoms.
On specific branches
Partial change in the color of vegetation indicates the defeat of aphids on individual branches or freezing of the roots. Nutritional deficiencies can also be the cause.
Yellowing and drying
The reason why the leaves dry out is due to the formation of a fungus or damage from pests that suck out nutrients. Periodic prophylaxis is recommended to prevent the problem.
Twisting and dropping
The suction of juices from the green part of the crown by aphids leads to twisting and death of the processes. To destroy pests, treatment with specialized drugs or folk remedies is required.
Pale leaves
The acquisition of a pale color occurs as a result of plant disease with chlorosis. If chlorosis manifests itself at the initial stage, spraying with copper sulfate is carried out to eliminate the disease.
Solving problems on different varieties and rootstocks
It is necessary to decide what to do if problems are detected in the development of an apple tree, taking into account the cultivated variety and the type of rootstock.
The way of dealing with the problem and the choice of how to treat the plant depends on the variety of trees.
Columnar apple yellowing
Columnar varieties of apple trees are more likely than others to be affected by rodents. Hilling is required to stimulate the growth of adventitious roots. This method is effective on dwarf plants, since the undersized roots of young seedlings do not need a lot of nutrition.
Yellowing of the apple tree Krasa Sverdlovsk
When growing the Krasa Sverdlovsk variety, there is a high probability of developing powdery mildew. The disease is characterized not only by a change in the color of the foliage, but also by the appearance of a pronounced white bloom. As the infection develops, the green part of the culture deforms and dries up. To eliminate the effects of powdery mildew, treatment with colloidal sulfur is carried out.
Useful tips for caring for an apple tree
To reduce the risk of wilting trees, you need to maintain them regularly. Apple trees require periodic watering, visual inspection to detect disease symptoms, fertilization and preventive treatments. Correct and timely care contributes to intensive development and an increase in the number of crops.
