Question
QUESTION: Hi Kathy

The leaves and blossoms of several fruit trees, planted 2 years ago, have turned brown and dry - and have dropped off.

We live in Tuscany.

The branches are now completely bare. Does this suggest a terminal illness?!

Can you say what it might be, and what treatment is required to save these trees (plums, persimmon, nectarines, and peach)?

Many thanks.

Penelope.

ANSWER: Hi Penelope, Guess I am working too hard, missed the names.  It is strange that all are pit fruits.  Is Tuscany in NY?  Is it possible that happened because of a freeze?  Warm weather brings out leaves and a  freeze can set it back and then leaves will come out again.  The other guess would be not enough water.   A good weekly watering makes plants happy.  kathy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Kathy, I should have made it clear that Tuscany is in Italy. We've had exceptionally heavy rains this winter and spring and no freeze. I am beginning to think it may be that I put too much fertilizer too close to the tree trunks. If this is the cause, do you think my trees can recover? (I have given up hope of getting any fruit this year, but I am wondering if my trees can recover by next year?) Lastly, if I have over fertilized, is there anything I can do?

Answer
Hi Penelope, Always use a slow release fertilizer, cheaper is never better.  If you did not use  slow release,  it is possible it killed the tree.  Also these are pits fruits that will not take flooding and too much water, that alone could have done them in.  Scratch the bark and see if there is any green, it no green,  it is too late.  kathy