affected peach tree - Ask Extension
My peach tree is full of peaches this year. However, they are not progressing. About the size of a golf ball. Not getting any bigger. Began ...
Knowledgebase
affected peach tree #877955
Asked July 19, 2024, 4:09 PM EDT
My peach tree is full of peaches this year. However, they are not progressing. About the size of a golf ball. Not getting any bigger. Began showing at least a month ago. There is some kind of sap coming out of a fissure on the tree. I've been told it is a borer bug and the tree is going to die. Is this correct? Also, my backyard is getting infested with weeds this year. At least half of it has gone bone dry with minimal grass and all kinds of weeds coming up. If I remember correctly, I could send a soil sample for inspection? REALLY disappointed about the peach tree is the information I received is valid. Thank you.
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for your questions.
The high temperatures we have been having can affect the growth of fruit. Did you thin the fruit? It is best to thin the fruit when it is about 1" in diameter and leave about 6-8" between the fruits to promote growth and for better air circulation. In the following information there is a section on Peaches that will provide you with valuable information regarding managing your peach tree:
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/771.pdf
Regarding the fissure and sap issue with your peach tree, I have a few questions:
1. When did you first notice the sap?
2. Where on the trunk is the fissure?
3. Do you see any holes in the truck near ground level?
4. How is this tree watered? How often?
It would be very helpful if you could send photos of the tree, the area where the fissure occurs, the base of the trunk, and any other problem areas you have with this tree. It is not possible for me to say what is happening without further information. There is a peach tree borer and here is information:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/peach-tree-borer-5-566/
Regarding your turf question, I will also need more information:
1. When did you first notice this problem? How did your lawn look last year?
2. How do you water your lawn? Irrigation system? Hose with sprinklers? How often do you water? For how long?
3. If you have a sprinkler system, have you done an irrigation audit? Here is information on how to conduct an audit:
https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/irr-audit-tutorial.pdf
4. How often do you mow? It is best to put your mower height so that the grass blades are 2.5" to 3" high. You should keep your mower blade sharp through the season.
5. Please send photos of your lawn showing the brown areas as well as any green areas and a photo of the transition from green to brown areas.
While I await your response here is a very good guide to lawn care:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/lawn-care-7-202/gl=1
This Fact Sheet covers mowing practices, watering, fertilizing, and aerating,
I hope the above information will be helpful. You can send photos when you reply to this email.
The high temperatures we have been having can affect the growth of fruit. Did you thin the fruit? It is best to thin the fruit when it is about 1" in diameter and leave about 6-8" between the fruits to promote growth and for better air circulation. In the following information there is a section on Peaches that will provide you with valuable information regarding managing your peach tree:
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/771.pdf
Regarding the fissure and sap issue with your peach tree, I have a few questions:
1. When did you first notice the sap?
2. Where on the trunk is the fissure?
3. Do you see any holes in the truck near ground level?
4. How is this tree watered? How often?
It would be very helpful if you could send photos of the tree, the area where the fissure occurs, the base of the trunk, and any other problem areas you have with this tree. It is not possible for me to say what is happening without further information. There is a peach tree borer and here is information:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/peach-tree-borer-5-566/
Regarding your turf question, I will also need more information:
1. When did you first notice this problem? How did your lawn look last year?
2. How do you water your lawn? Irrigation system? Hose with sprinklers? How often do you water? For how long?
3. If you have a sprinkler system, have you done an irrigation audit? Here is information on how to conduct an audit:
https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/garden/irr-audit-tutorial.pdf
4. How often do you mow? It is best to put your mower height so that the grass blades are 2.5" to 3" high. You should keep your mower blade sharp through the season.
5. Please send photos of your lawn showing the brown areas as well as any green areas and a photo of the transition from green to brown areas.
While I await your response here is a very good guide to lawn care:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/lawn-care-7-202/gl=1
This Fact Sheet covers mowing practices, watering, fertilizing, and aerating,
I hope the above information will be helpful. You can send photos when you reply to this email.
