Fuji apple tree leaves are browning--what's wrong?

Mike Smith

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I bought a fuji apple tree from a nursery maybe 6 months ago. Everything was going pretty well, but after I got back from a 2 week vacation, I noticed the leaves are browning. I watered it before I left and since I've been back, I've watered it once a week. It's not hot here in SF Bay Area in the summer, I get a lot of fog. I don't think it's a water issue since it's been a few months now that I've been back and watering once a week now. The leaves are still brown and it's mainly around the edges. Any ideas what the cause of this is? I don't think it's fire blight...I looked up pictures and the leaves on my tree don't look scorched, but I'm no expert so I can't say for sure. The trunk on the tree looks fine...nothing out of the ordinary. Any advice or suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

Embothrium

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

The setting (planting site) looks quite dry. Maybe the tree dried out too much while you were gone and then it didn't start showing damage until after you got back. But the complete lack of watering during the 2 weeks was still the cause.

If this thread doesn't appear to lead to a definite identification of your specific issue try taking samples of affected parts to your local USDA Cooperative Extension Service branch office. You will have to be able to get there during their weekday open hours.

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Comments (10)

Mike Smith
Original Author
8 years ago
My lawn is pretty much dead due to golphers (so I have to redo my lawn), but I didn't capture the area where I planted my apple tree. The area where I planted the apple tree is moist and I've added mulch to soil to help keep out the weeds and for the soil to maintain the moisture. I also have a lemon tree and blueberry bushes which are doing well (also planted in it's own area). I will look into taking a sample into the office you suggested. Thanks!
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JXBrown (Sunset 24, N San Diego County)
8 years ago
Gophers like apple tree roots.
Benjamin Fulford
7 years ago
Frost, looks like frost damage. you may need a frost protection cover
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years ago
LOL!! In the SF Bay area, extremely unlikely to be frost damage at any time of year and certainly not at the beginning of September!!

Looks like typical drought stress in a dry summer.
Benjamin Fulford
7 years ago
oh South Florida, yeah don't listen to me
socalnolympia
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
What's wrong? They're growing in California. The state's name means "hot oven" in Spanish.

Things that will help: Really good soil that is good at holding moisture, some mulch or wood chips over that soil to help prevent evaporation, partial shade over the tree, consistent and deep watering, especially during the Summer.

I agree it's most likely a water issue. It's been warm and dry.
Jean
7 years ago
Ran short of water. Has classic symptoms: dried leaf edges.
detharal
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I had the same issue in Texas with my Fuji the first year. I have to agree with the others that say that water is the issue. I had no idea that Apple trees required the amount of water they do.

Unless I am mistaken, Apples can actually thrive on very moist (not standing water) soil.

Mine looked worse than yours after I bought it. I read about the tree in more detail, put Super Thrive on it and basically tried to drown it.

The first picture is after I hit it with Super Thrive and tons of water. You can tell it was in poor shape (dead branch in the middle, those same dry leaves) but it started to bounce back (new Growth). The second picture is this year. There are actually blooms on the top branch.

I recently added an Anna apple tree near this one for pollination.
jbclem
7 years ago
Are you checking the soil moisture 12-24" down, where the roots are. From the photos the ground does look kinda hard and barren. not exactly bursting with green life (weeds or otherwise). A few years ago I started using a metal probe (48" long x 1/2" thick) to check the soil moisture at those depths and discovered that it takes a lot of watering to get moisture down below 12". And my Topanga Canyon (Calif) soil is silty/sandy, so it drains easily.

If you have gophers nearby, you should start planning to defend your apple tree(s). They will eat the roots all the way to the trunk, I speak from sad experience with Citrus, Apricot, and Peach trees. Now, I make my own very strong gopher cages and wouldn't plant a tree outside of a cage.