So the resident experts here solved last years problem! Yay! The trees have really done well since last year. But now...Now can you please help with THIS years Cherry Tree issue? Thank you in advance everyone.

Need to see the entire tree. Is it in a pot or the landscape?

It looks like a leaf still in the first stage of being shed - resorption, during which the tree reclaims mobile nutrients and other recyclable bio-compounds for use elsewhere in the plant. Did you separate the leaf from the plant or did it fall on its own? Was it the only leaf affected or were there more? A few or many? Where was it located on the plant? How long have you had the tree? Have you sprayed the tree with any product? What type of soil or grow medium is it growing in?

Al

tapla said: Need to see the entire tree. Is it in a pot or the landscape?

It is in the ground along with my other fruit trees.

It looks like a leaf still in the first stage of being shed - resorption, during which the tree reclaims mobile nutrients and other recyclable bio-compounds for use elsewhere in the plant. Did you separate the leaf from the plant or did it fall on its own?

I separated it and though it did not "cling" to the tree as a healthy green leaf would, it did not come loose as if it were ready to fall at any moment.

Was it the only leaf affected or were there more? A few or many?

There are several others but this was the best representative sample. Less than 5% maybe 2-3% of leaves show this.

Where was it located on the plant?

Older growth located in the lower third of the lower limbs.

How long have you had the tree? Have you sprayed the tree with any product? What type of soil or grow medium is it growing in?

The tree is 3 years old, no product used other than fruit tree systemic insecticide against the cherry slugs and moths after blooms dropped (about 6 weeks ago). Soil is a loamy mixture that is amended with composted horse manure (horses fed my hay - no herbicides) on top of soil so earth worms can d0 their job.

All of the fruit trees range in age from 3-5 years and are in the same soil. Only a couple of the cherrys are exhibiting this. All other trees (stone fruits, apples, pears) are thriving.

Al

The things that come to mind are *too much/ too little water, *low fertility - especially of nitrogen, *natural senescence (aging), *the affected leaves could be getting too much shade from foliage higher on the tree, which can set the shedding process in motion, *If you didn't correct root issues in the soil/root mass when the trees were planted out, root congestion tends to force shedding of older leaves and leaves closer to the trunk such that most of the foliage is eventually concentrated near branch apices (branch tips - the apical meristems where primary/extension growth takes place).

With <5% foliage involvement at this time of year really isn't cause for serious concern, especially given it's presenting in older leaves low on the plant. Would they be primarily located on the N or NE side of the plant?

Al

tapla said: The things that come to mind are ...
...With <5% foliage involvement at this time of year really isn't cause for serious concern, especially given it's presenting in older leaves low on the plant. Would they be primarily located on the N or NE side of the plant?

Al

This kind of expert response is great. So first, thank you. In answer to your comments the water seems to be the best chance. Maintaining consistent water, or trying to, but may be slightly overwatering. I will check the soil carefully at it's next scheduled watering. If it is still quite moist, you may have found the culprit. It is good soil, frequently amended, but could be a nutrient issue.

Except it seems that the leaves are quite random. No pattern I can see at all. One would think that either of the above issues would be a bit more systemic affecting many of the leaves in the same way. But, then I am a a long way from an expert. Not even on the path of being one.

As for the position of the leaves, again no pattern...

My main concern was that it was an early indicator of some disease/pest. Google lens provided no real help either...

As the bottom leaves are most affected, I would suspect over watering is the problem. Cherry trees are very susceptible to root problems caused by too much water including root rot and an inability to take up nutrients.

Check the tree collar (where the trunk attaches to the roots) for fungus. Also make sure the collar and root flair are free of weeds, fallen leaves and soil.

..... not a disease issue - it's cultural. The color change in the leaf is due to the fact that during the first stage of shedding (resorption) the tree will be reclaiming mobile nutrients, one of which is magnesium, which is central to molecules of the green pigment, chlorophyll. As the chlorophyll molecules break down, it (chlorophyll) no longer masks presence of pigments of other colors, so they become expressive, which explains the red and yellow coloring.

Given what history we have, natural senescence or perhaps a nutritional deficiency of nitrogen makes the most sense as causal.

Al

Lucy68 said: As the bottom leaves are most affected, I would suspect over watering is the problem. Cherry trees are very susceptible to root problems caused by too much water including root rot and an inability to take up nutrients.

Check the tree collar (where the trunk attaches to the roots) for fungus. Also make sure the collar and root flair are free of weeds, fallen leaves and soil.

Thank you. Between you and Tapas, we may have found something here. I will investigate more on this over watering possibility.

I'm glad we could help.