Hello Joe,

Yes — based on your description and the MSU Extension material you have open, what you’re seeing on your young peach tree is fully consistent with peach leaf curl. The symptoms match the classic pattern described in the MSU IPM guide:

The fungus infects young, undeveloped leaf tissue very early in spring . Infected leaves become curled, blistered, thickened, and discolored (white, light green, red, or purple)

More information at this link:

Peach leaf curl

Symptoms often appear in clusters or on individual shoots, not necessarily on the whole tree at once. A single bunch of distorted leaves at the top of the tree is a very typical early-season presentation.

What you can do now (May in Michigan)

Unfortunately, MSU is clear that fungicides only work before bud swell — either in late fall or very early spring. Once symptoms appear, sprays do not reverse the infection or stop it on already-infected leaves. Fungicide timing is emphasized repeatedly in the MSU guide:

“Providing fungicide protection before buds start to swell in early spring is key” - More information at this link:

Peach leaf curl

Infection occurs “at the first hint of swelling” under cool, wet conditions

So yes — it is too late for fungicide this year.

But you can still help the tree.

Immediate steps (May)

1. Remove the infected leaves if the infestation is small

Since you only see a single cluster, gently removing those leaves can reduce stress and prevent the tree from wasting energy on damaged tissue.

This won’t stop the disease elsewhere, but it helps young trees conserve resources.

2. Support the tree’s vigor

MSU notes that trees heavily affected may need extra care to recover and survive winter:

Irrigation during dry spells

Adequate nitrogen (but don’t overdo it)

Mulch to maintain soil moisture - More information at this link:

Peach leaf curl

Even mild infections can slow growth on young trees, so keeping them healthy matters.

3. Watch for secondary flush

Peaches often push a second set of healthy leaves after the infected ones drop. This is normal.

What to do later this year (Fall 2026)

This is the part that actually prevents the disease.

MSU recommends one of these timings:

Option A — Late fall spray (preferred)

After ~50% leaf drop, apply:

Chlorothalonil, ziram, or copper

These are the same materials MSU lists as effective fungicides for leaf curl management. More information at this link:

Peach leaf curl

Fall sprays are preferred because:

The weather is more predictable

Coverage is easier

Spring conditions may prevent timely spraying

Option B — Very early spring spray (backup)

Before any bud swell — often late March in Michigan.

Will the tree be okay?

Almost certainly. Leaf curl looks dramatic but is rarely fatal. MSU notes that even severely affected trees can recover if otherwise healthy. Young trees just need a bit more support.

Resources at the links below:

Peach leaf curl

Peach leaf curl - Integrated Pest Management

I recommend you email your image to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab to obtain a confirmed diagnosis of the problem.

Their email is <personal data hidden> - Please include your first and last name.

The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options.

The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent.

The lab may also ask for additional images. So be prepared.

Their website is at this link:

Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

Their Contact Information is at this link:

Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

This link will explain the details on submitting a sample to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:

Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

I hope this helps!