• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Leaves-on-Plum-Tree-Turned-Yellow-and-Fell-Off.jpg

Leaves on Plum Tree Turned Yellow and Fell Off

I bought two Italian plum trees about four years ago.  They are 50 feet apart.  Several weeks ago all the leaves on one of the trees started turning yellow and have now fallen off.  What can I do to save it?

Several pests can cause leaves to wilt and yellow.  Before treating for a pest make sure it is not an environmental factor causing the problem.  Check the soil moisture and make sure the tree is receiving adequate water.  Too much or not enough water can cause wilting and leaves to drop.  Even established trees suffer during extremely hot and droughty summers.  Gardeners often overcompensate with improper watering.  Both can cause the symptoms you described.  The affected tree may be in an area that stays wet longer or dries faster than the healthy plum tree.  Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.   If this is not the problem, the tree may be suffering from bacterial canker, verticillium wilt, or various viruses.  These diseases can cause the damage you describe.  There is no control once the whole tree is infected.  Purchase disease-free plants and do not plant plums and other susceptible plants in the same location.  Borers feeding in the trunk can also cause the leaves to wilt and dry.  Look for holes in the trunk of the tree.  Treatment is difficult since this insect feeds under the protection of the tree bark.   Make sure the trees receive sufficient water and keep the soil cool and moist with mulch.  Properly tended trees are better able to fight off insect infestations. Badly infected trees will need to be replaced.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW