What to do if the leaves of an apple tree wither and how to treat it, causes and prevention

When the leaves on the apple tree begin to dry out, this means that something is wrong with the fruit tree. This situation can arise for many reasons. So, perhaps the owner of the garden tree made mistakes in caring for it or there were unfavorable weather conditions at the time of growth. In any case, no matter what causes the leaves to dry on the tree, it is necessary to save it from death. Next, you will learn what to do if the leaves of an apple tree wither.

Common causes and associated symptoms

There are many reasons why the leaves on the apple tree began to dry out. However, there are the most common ones. Below we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the popular reasons, as well as find out what their symptoms are.

Atmospheric and climatic conditions

If we talk about atmospheric or climatic reasons, first of all, it is worth mentioning the lack of sunlight. Thus, such a phenomenon leads to disruption of the photosynthesis process, which is why the foliage on the tree turns yellow and dries out. Along with this, it also happens that the leaves fall off without even having time to dry.

Improper planting and care

The most common reason is improper planting and subsequent care of trees. For example, a crop may begin to dry out if it grows on swampy clay or loamy soil. For this reason, in the autumn it is recommended to add dolomite flour, chalk or lime to the soil. This measure is used to enrich the soil with calcium. Sand or peat is also suitable for this purpose.

Experienced gardeners do not recommend planting wild cereal plants, such as foxtail wheatgrass or timothy, next to the apple tree. These crops can negatively affect the apple tree next to them.

Unsuitable soil

Planting an apple tree in unsuitable soil can also cause leaf loss. Many tree diseases arise due to a lack of certain components, especially nutritional components.This process is called fasting.

The following types of fasting are distinguished: boron, manganese, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

Leaf diseases

The next reason for the falling leaves of an apple tree may be their disease. Next, we propose to consider the most well-known leaf diseases.

Scab

Surely there is not a single gardener who has not encountered, at least once in his life, such a problem as scab. This is a fungal disease that is characterized by the appearance of a brown-green coating on the leaves. As a result, they dry out and fall off.

If you do not start treating the tree in a timely manner, the spores of this disease can easily spread to the fruits. You can tell by the way the apples become covered with dark spots. In general, it cannot be said that the bucket causes irreparable damage to the tree, but it spoils its presentation.

Powdery mildew

A disease such as powdery mildew is characterized by the appearance of a dirty white coating on the leaves of a tree and its shoots. After some time they dry out and fall off. An apple tree affected by this disease bears fruit poorly and practically stops growing.

If you do not treat in a timely manner, the spores will penetrate the ground and live there without problems until spring, after which they will infect the tree again. Powdery mildew likes to settle on plants that choose a place for themselves in waterlogged soil.

Downy mildew

Downy mildew begins with the appearance of white spots, which over time become gray-violet. This disease is also called downy mildew. Affected leaves dry out and fall off quite quickly. The tree stops bearing fruit and growing well.

Bark diseases

If there are diseases of the apple tree bark, over time its shoots cease to receive the nutrients and moisture necessary for growth.Due to pathological changes, the tree dries out.

European apple canker

European cancer is characterized by the fact that growths and dents, distinguished by a red-brown color, begin to appear on the trunk and branches of the tree. If you look under the growth, you can find a wound or even exposed trunk cambium underneath it.

Cytosporosis

One of the first signs of this disease is the appearance of dark bulges with red-brown ulcers on the bark. Over time, the trunk of the apple tree, which has been affected by cytosporosis, dries out, and the necessary nutritional components do not reach the leaves. The disease is considered very dangerous, especially if its spores spread throughout the tree - as a result, it will inevitably dry out.

Black cancer

Recognizing black cancer is quite simple. After all, the disease is characterized by the appearance of a black plaque. It seems that the branches are covered with soot. In turn, the leaves turn brown and dry out.

It is necessary to treat this disease immediately, since an apple tree affected by black cancer can die literally within a season.

How to treat and what to do if apple tree leaves dry out

With the reasons for the situation when leaves apple trees are starting to dry out, we figured it out. It's time to find out what to treat and what to do in such circumstances in order to keep the fruit tree healthy. The treatment regimen and necessary actions are selected depending on what problem is occurring. Next, we will consider the most common ways in which troubles manifest in an apple tree.

If the tree is sick

If a tree is sick and its leaves dry out, you need to carefully examine it to find out what caused this.So, if this is one of the diseases of the bark or leaves, appropriate treatment is necessary in each individual case.

In young seedlings

A young apple tree may experience problems due to sudden changes in temperature, which especially often occurs in winter or spring. Unfortunately, nothing can be done.

And turn yellow in spring and summer

If the apple tree produced a good harvest in July and August, the tree may be lacking nutrients, and it is best to feed it.

Experienced summer residents recommend using Kemira or Sudarushka fertilizer for these purposes. If the apple tree is no longer young, yellowing leaves may indicate that it needs some anti-aging pruning.

And they fall abundantly

Leaves may drop significantly due to drought. The solution is simple - water frequently. If the root system is damaged, then the tree cannot be saved.

Like after a burn

If the burn occurs due to an excess of fertilizers, the tree must be watered abundantly. The cause may also be the influence of poisons. In this case, the foliage is treated with a solution of vinegar or soda.

And curl up

Here the tree is checked for all possible causes of leaf drying and action is taken according to the situation.

Along the edges

If this happens due to an excess of fertilizers, provide abundant watering.

After flowering

If the tree is without obvious damage, then the unfavorable wintering is to blame. The tree cannot be saved.

During flowering

This may be a consequence of starvation of the apple tree. It is necessary to fertilize.

At the top

If the leaves of a young apple tree begin to dry up to the top of the tree, this is an alarm bell. Most likely, the grafting site is damaged or the roots are dying. In any case, unfortunately, it is no longer possible to correct the situation.If this happened to an old apple tree, this may indicate that its life has expired. If the apple tree is neither young nor old, but the top is drying out, this may indicate that there is a complex hunger of essential microelements.

Whole branches

This may be due to insufficient watering.

Advice from gardeners on proper care and prevention

There are tips from experienced gardeners on proper apple tree care and disease prevention.

1. The tree is protected from freezing.
2. It is necessary to control the increase in groundwater levels.
3. Periodically take care of feeding the tree.
4. Carry out preventive measures to combat parasites and pests on a regular basis.
5. Make sure that pruning occurs according to the rules.