9 Reasons Your Fruit Tree Leaves Are Turning Yellow—and How to Fix Them Fast

Fruit trees, whether it's apples, pears, figs, or nectarines, are wonderful to grow for a surplus of your favorite fruit when it's harvest time. Growing fruit trees requires space, time, and proper care to ensure healthy trees. When leaves begin to turn yellow, it's often a sign that something is amiss. To ensure the health of your trees, we consulted with gardening experts who shared the most common reasons why fruit tree leaves turn yellow and how to fix them.

Inadequate Sun

Fruit trees need six to eight hours of full sun daily. Planting them in a location where they don't receive sufficient sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow. "Fruit trees like to be in full sun," says Zack Snipes, assistant program team leader of horticulture at Clemson University. He adds that the tree may be stressed if it's in a shaded area versus a full-sun area. When planting fruit trees, consider which areas of your yard receive the most sunlight and avoid planting them in a place with partial to full shade. 

Improper Soil pH

Soil pH tells you what nutrients are in the soil. When the pH is off, it can mean the tree can't take up nutrients properly or is nutrient-deficient, says Snipes. Interveinal chlorosis is a common symptom of nutrient deficiencies, characterized by the yellowing of leaf veins. "In rare cases, some deficiencies will cause whole leaves to turn bright yellow to off-white in color," says Mark V Wessel, director of horticulture research at Gurney's Seed and Nursery Co.

A leaf tissue analysis will tell you what nutrients the fruit tree is deficient in, but won't tell you how much of each nutrient to add, says Charlie Nardozzi, author of The Continuous Vegetable Gardener. A soil test is often the first step in determining what's happening below ground. The test will tell you what to amend your soil with to improve its quality and boost plant health. Soil tests are available online and at many extension offices.

Entering Dormancy

Yellow leaves aren't always a sign that something is wrong. Every year, the leaves change color in the fall as a part of the natural lifecycle of the fruit tree, Snipes says. With shorter days, the leaves will photosynthesize less as the tree prepares to go dormant. "All the energy that's in the leaves is being pulled out of the leaves and being transported to the trunk and the roots of the tree to be stored," he says.

Inadequate Soil Moisture

Soil that is too dry or too wet can negatively affect the fruit tree's roots, causing yellow leaves. "Check the moisture level in the root zone," says Wessel. "Drought-stressed tree leaves will turn yellow and often start falling off. The yellowing generally starts near the centers of the oldest leaves and progresses toward the tips as the lack of water continues."

If the moisture level at the root zone is dry, water the area under the canopy or drip line, says Wessel. Avoid overcompensating for dry soil by providing too much water. Water the tree, but avoid overwatering an area that has experienced dry conditions, as too much water can suddenly stress the tree more, says Wessel. Mulch around the tree with wood chips or other natural materials to prevent the root zone from drying out. "Spread mulch to the edge of the drip line; This will help keep the soil cool and retain moisture," he adds.

Improper Soil Drainage

Soil drainage is a key component for tree health. Soil that doesn't drain well means a tree's roots won't be able to take up sufficient nutrients, says Snipes. To determine how well your soil drains, Snipes recommends digging a hole 18 inches deep, filling it with water, and measuring the time it takes to drain. If it drains in 24 hours, the soil probably drains well. If it takes longer, you may want to plant your fruit tree somewhere else. If it's already in the ground, amend the soil with compost to improve drainage. 

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Disease

Fruit trees are prone to disease, especially under environmental stress, such as extreme weather or inadequate water. "If the tree is stressed out, look at the leaves themselves—inspect them for any signs or symptoms of disease and insects," says Snipes.

Leaf tests can be conducted at your local extension office to identify what disease is affecting the tree. Each disease presents differently, especially depending on the tree species and time of year. "For example, a severe case of apple scab can cause leaves to yellow and drop prematurely, but there will also be green or black spots on the leaves and fruit," says Keri Wilson, a horticulturist with Garden Media Group. If it's a fungal disease, she says to remove and destroy fallen infected leaves to prevent the fungus from overwintering.

One way to minimize fruit tree diseases is to ensure good airflow around the trees. "Proper pruning to keep an open and airy crown helps prevent leaf disease," says Wessel.

Pests

Sap-sucking insects, such as aphids and mites, can cause leaf yellowing, says Wessel. A simple solution to remove them is to spray them with water. "If you only have a few small trees, a strong stream of water from your garden hose can help considerably," Wessel says. "It is important to spray the undersides of the leaves in addition to the tops and new tender growth." You may need to spray them multiple times to reduce the number of insects on the tree. If pests are causing a lot of harm to the fruit tree, Wessel says to consult with your local or state extension service for guidance.

Transplant Shock

Transplant shock can occur when a tree has been moved from its nursery pot to the ground or a new container and hasn't adapted well to the new environment. "This happens because the tree's roots are stressed and not yet established enough to absorb sufficient water and nutrients from the new soil," says Wilson. To save a tree experiencing transplant shock, Wilson says to ensure the tree's roots receive about 1 inch of water per week and apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the base to help conserve moisture.

Incorrect Planting Depth

A fruit tree that has recently been planted too deeply can become stressed and produce yellow leaves. The root system may not receive sufficient oxygen, leading to premature leaf dropping and yellowing, says Wilson. "To avoid planting a tree too deeply, ensure the area where the trunk widens at the base is at or slightly above the soil line, allowing the roots to receive the oxygen they need to thrive," she says.