In Autumn stone fruit trees such as peaches, nectarines, apricots start to lose their leaves. This is the time to spray for Peach Leaf Curl. If left untreated, this disease affects fruit production and can get worse and worse each year.

Leaves with leaf curl appear thick and lumpy, can change colour turning pale green, pink or even purple. Flowers and fruit can also be infected by the fungus.

To break the cycle of this disease, it is important to clean up any fallen leaves and dispose of them in the bin (not in your compost). Keep the tree pruned to a nice open shape to allow good air circulation.

After all the leaves have dropped in autumn, spray the whole tree with Copper Oxychloride to kill off the spores. Spray again in late winter or early spring when you see the buds start to swell or at bud burst. Once the leaves have emerged it is too late to treat for Leaf Curl.

When the tree is growing in spring and summer, make sure you apply a quality organic fertiliser, keep the garden well mulched and give the tree regular, consistent watering. A healthy, well-fed tree is more productive and much more resistant to pests and diseases.

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This is intended as general information only. Please ask one of our horticulturists for specific advice for your situation.