Do the trees in your yard look odd? Is there something not quite right with the leaves?
When one or two leaves curl up, it’s easy to overlook them. But when several branches, or most of the tree, have leaves that appear crinkled, shriveled, and unhappy, your curiosity can turn into alarm.
If you’re scratching your head wondering, “Why are my tree leaves curling up?”, professional tree services in Holliston, MA, have the answer. Chances are, it’s one of the following issues.
Leaf Curl Disease
While leaf curl disease is notorious for attacking peach trees, other fruit-bearing species are also vulnerable to this condition. A fungal infection, it causes red, twisted leaves early in the season, which often fall off prematurely.
Leaf curl disease thrives in cool, wet spring weather (I.e., the kind of weather Holliston experiences from March through May). Applying a fungicide spray in late fall or early spring can help prevent the fungus from taking hold and damaging your trees.
Pest Infestation
If pests like aphids, scale insects, and leafrollers are making a meal out of your tree and sucking the sap out of the leaves, the leaves will curl up, change color, and die. If you spot sticky residue (called honeydew), tiny webs, or clusters of insects in the tree, it’s time to take action. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can help, but you might want to call in a pro for bigger pest infestations.
Environmental Stress
Massachusetts weather can be temperamental. A sudden cold snap during an otherwise balmy spring or an early summer heatwave can stress trees, especially young or newly planted ones. Curling leaves tell you they’re stressed, and the best thing you can do is offer consistent care by mulching, watering, and shielding your trees from harsh winds when possible.
Water Imbalance
Too much or too little water can also cause tree leaves to curl up. It seems simple, but watering trees isn’t always as straightforward as it looks. Overwatering can suffocate roots, while underwatering leaves them thirsty.
Either way, the leaves may curl up in protest when a tree doesn’t get the perfect amount of water. To determine whether your trees need a drink, check the soil a few inches down at the base of the tree. If it feels either soggy or bone dry, adjust your watering habits accordingly.
Nutrient Deficiency
Trees require a balanced diet, and a deficiency in essential nutrients, such as potassium or magnesium, can lead to leaf curling, yellowing, or stunted growth. A professional soil test eliminates the guesswork and tells you exactly what your tree is missing so you can feed it the right mix of fertilizers.
Keep Your Trees Healthy With Help From Brooke Tree Service
If you see tree leaves curling up or signs of a dying tree in your Holliston, MA, yard, don’t panic. Reach out to Brooke Tree Service at (508) 613-5044 for a diagnosis and treatment options that will keep your trees looking their best with healthy, green, and uncurled leaves.