Pear espalier leaf curl - Ask Extension
This 25 yr old pear espalier looked fine last week! This week the leaves have curled and we don't know why.
Knowledgebase
Pear espalier leaf curl #867345
Asked May 06, 2024, 9:49 PM EDT
This 25 yr old pear espalier looked fine last week! This week the leaves have curled and we don't know why.
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Debra
Were any herbicides, weed killers or similar products applied recently? Sudden leaf curling and cupping can be caused by exposure to a chemical.
Herbicides can travel on wind, or volatilization can move chemicals in certain temperatures, and some can move through the roots of trees and shrubs.
This article explains in more detail
https://extension.sdstate.edu/herbicide-damage-fruits-and-vegetables
While this next article is written for professionals, it describes in detail herbicide injury.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/files/2023/02/MNLA_TML_JF19_Diagnosing_Herbicide_Injury_Roberts89.pdf
Keep the tree well watered. Rinse the leaves off. Then wait and see how the plant recovers.
You may also consult with the professionals at MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab; email your pictures and question to <personal data hidden> for their opinion.
Finally, you may wish to hire a certified arborist to come on site and give a diagnosis and plant care plan. Find certified arborists by zipcode search here: http://www.treesaregood.org
Were any herbicides, weed killers or similar products applied recently? Sudden leaf curling and cupping can be caused by exposure to a chemical.
Herbicides can travel on wind, or volatilization can move chemicals in certain temperatures, and some can move through the roots of trees and shrubs.
This article explains in more detail
https://extension.sdstate.edu/herbicide-damage-fruits-and-vegetables
While this next article is written for professionals, it describes in detail herbicide injury.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/files/2023/02/MNLA_TML_JF19_Diagnosing_Herbicide_Injury_Roberts89.pdf
Keep the tree well watered. Rinse the leaves off. Then wait and see how the plant recovers.
You may also consult with the professionals at MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab; email your pictures and question to <personal data hidden> for their opinion.
Finally, you may wish to hire a certified arborist to come on site and give a diagnosis and plant care plan. Find certified arborists by zipcode search here: http://www.treesaregood.org
