Leaves Curling on Cherry Trees: Causes and Solutions

Cherry trees are treasured for their beautiful spring blooms and abundant summer fruits. But sometimes those shiny green leaves start to pucker or curl during the growing season Curled or cupped leaves on your cherry tree can indicate some underlying problems

Leaf curl on cherry trees is often caused by pests diseases, or environmental factors. The good news is proper diagnosis and timely care can often remedy curled cherry leaves.

Read on to learn why cherry tree leaves may curl and what you can do to restore your tree’s health and beauty.

Common Causes of Cherry Leaf Curl

Here are some of the most likely reasons your cherry tree has developed wrinkled or curled leaves

Insects

• Aphids – Tiny sap-sucking aphids feeding on leaf undersides cause cupped or curled leaves as tissues distort. Their sticky honeydew secretions also promote sooty mold growth.

• Scale – Armored scale insects attach to branches and leaves, extracting fluids. Heavy infestations lead to yellowing and curled leaves.

• Mites – Microscopic spider mites pierce leaves, sucking juices. This causes stippling, curling, or bronzing. Webbing may be visible when severe.

Diseases

• Leaf Curl Fungus – The fungus Taphrina deformans creates puckered, distorted reddish leaves that thicken and curl upward. Infected leaves often drop early.

• Bacterial Leaf Spot – Bacterial infections form small, water-soaked spots on new leaves. Leaves shrivel, curl, and turn brown as spots merge.

• Rust – Rust fungus spores cause yellow-orange powdery lesions on leaves. Severe infections lead to distortion, curling, and defoliation.

Environmental Stresses

• Insufficient Water – Prolonged drought makes leaves wilt, curl, and brown along the edges as they lose moisture.

• Root Damage – Roots that cannot properly take up water and nutrients force leaves to dry out and curl.

• Extreme Temperatures – Very high heat causes excessive leaf transpiration. If water needs aren’t met, leaves become parched and curled.

Other Factors

• Herbicide Injury – Exposure to drifting weed killers like 2,4-D can cause cherry leaf curling, distortion, and dieback.

• Poor Drainage – Constant soggy soil prevents oxygen access for roots. Leaves yellow, wilt, and curl in response.

Once the cause is found, appropriate care can restore cherry tree health.

How to Treat Curled Leaves on Cherry Trees

Treating curled cherry leaves involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Here are some common remedies:

For Insect Pests:

• Knock off aphids and mites with a strong spray of water. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps for heavy infestations.

• Apply dormant oil spray before bud break to smother overwintering scale on branches.

• Systemic insecticides like acephate may be warranted for severe infestations. Follow label directions.

For Diseases:

• Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal/bacterial diseases. Remove and destroy infected leaves.

• Apply copper sprays at leaf emergence and petal fall to treat leaf spot and leaf curl diseases.

• Rake and dispose of fallen leaves to eliminate disease spore sources.

For Environmental Issues:

• Water deeply during drought and mulch to conserve soil moisture. Provide afternoon shade if excess heat is the problem.

• Examine roots for damage or restrictions and repair injured root systems.

• Test soil drainage and amend or replace dense, heavy soils.

For Other Problems:

• Address any drainage issues, nutrient deficiencies, or herbicide exposure.

• Be vigilant with watering if transplant shock previously caused leaf curl.

With prompt attention to curled cherry leaves, long term impacts can often be limited and decline avoided. Early action is key.

Preventing Future Cherry Leaf Curl

Prevention is the best medicine for avoiding cherry leaf problems. Here are some proactive tips:

• Select Resistant Varieties – Cherry varieties like Brooks, Cavalier, Emperor Francis, Lapins, Sam, and Selah are less prone to leaf curl diseases. Opt for resistant trees when sourcing new plantings.

• Proper Care – Water thoroughly during drought and lightly fertilize to maintain vigor. Prune judiciously for optimal airflow and light penetration within the canopy. Control competing weeds.

• Preventive Practices – Apply dormant oil spray before budbreak to deter overwintering pests. Rake and remove fallen leaves to eliminate disease spore sources. Use fungicidal sprays at leaf emergence and petal fall if diseases have been a problem.

• Monitor Regularly – Watch closely for early signs of pests or disease. Take corrective action at the first appearance of any issues.

With vigilance and attentive care, you can help keep cherry tree leaves healthy and attractive. Don’t ignore early warning signs of problems. Addressing issues promptly maximizes success.

When to Worry About Curled Cherry Leaves

Seeing a few occasionally curled cherry leaves is no major concern. But be alert if you notice:

• Many leaves cupping, curling or distorting at once
• Leaves shriveling or browning in addition to curling
• Evidence of pests like honeydew, webbing or sticky residue
• White fungal coating or black sooty mold on curled leaves
• Leaves falling early due to disease or dieback
• Lack of new growth and declining vigor
• Slow to no recovery after initial curling
• Rapid spread of leaf curl, branch dieback, and lack of recovery

These signal a more serious underlying problem requiring quick action. Don’t delay treatment.

FAQs About Cherry Trees with Curled Leaves

Are curled cherry leaves always diseased?

Not always. Curling can also result from cultural issues, pests, weather damage or natural aging. Rule out diseases after other causes.

Should you remove leaves with cherry leaf curl?

Yes, prune off any distorted, diseased leaves immediately to prevent spread. Also dispose of fallen leaves.

Is cherry leaf curl fatal?

Not immediately in most cases if treated, but repeated defoliation gradually weakens trees over time. Take prompt action to limit long term impact.

How do you fix curled cherry leaves?

Identify and remedy the underlying cause – improve conditions, eliminate pests, treat diseases, correct cultural issues. Proper diagnosis is key.

Should I spray for cherry leaf curl?

Preventive copper fungicide sprays at leaf emergence and petal fall can deter diseases like leaf curl. Organic options include sulfur and lime sulfur.

Restore the Health of Your Cherry Tree

Curled, wrinkled or cupped cherry leaves indicate some underlying problem interfering with healthy leaf growth and development.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of issues like pests, diseases, water stress and other factors can get your cherry leaves back on track. But the longer curled leaves persist, the greater the impacts to tree vigor and productivity.

At the first sign of curling, thoroughly assess all potential causes and take corrective care. With timely treatment, you can restore the beauty and function of your cherry tree leaves. Rapid response helps ensure your cherry trees thrive for years to come.