Q: We have an ornamental peach tree that has a problem on some of the leaves. No insects found. What is it and how do we treat?

A: These are beautiful pictures of peach leaf curl! Spring is a time of numerous plant leaf galls, caused by insects. However, though peach leaf curl is similar in appearance, it is caused by a fungus.

If you were a peach farmer, you’d apply a fungicide as the leaf buds opened in early spring. But for an ornamental peach I don’t think you need to do anything. If you fertilize and water appropriately, your tree will recover.

The fungus needs such an exacting set of conditions to show itself that it’s not likely to appear next year.

Peach Leaf Curl

Peach Leaf Curl Control