Section: HOME GARDENS
Q:
My peach tree has strange red growth on its leaves. What is it and how do I get rid of it?
A:
What you are describing is most likely peach leaf curl. This is a disease that attacks peaches and nectarines only when the conditions are right. Here in the Central Valley we usually see it in the spring and by the time that summer hits, it disappears. This disease loves cool, moist conditions just like the spring we have had this year. In dryer years it usually doesn't last very long but we have had such a long, wet spring that peach leaf curl has flourished.
So what to do about it? Well the severity is largely affected by weather, however it can be reduced and/or prevented. Once you see the damage it is usually too late to prevent it but you can remove the affected leaves and get rid of them. Do not put them in your compost pile or green bin. It is best prevented by spraying the trees with copper sulfate 3 times during the dormant season. This will prevent it for most spring seasons, however even those who sprayed this spring are still seeing it, just not as bad. That is where the weather comes in.
So what if you aren't able or choose not to spray? If you leave peaches and nectarines untreated the disease can become worse. The immediate effects of peach leaf curl are sunburned fruit resulting from the lack of healthy leaves to protect the fruit. If left untreated from year to year then it can become so bad that the tree becomes stressed resulting in reduced fruit, reduced quality of the remaining fruit, a stunted tree and maybe even death of the tree. This is exacerbated in younger trees. Trees need leaves to produce their "food" and if those leaves are diseased then they can't do their job.
I would recommend taking a fresh sample of the leaves into The Greenery for positive identification. This is a very common disease, especially this spring, however we are seeing other diseases right now that can have the same symptoms like powdery mildew and downy mildew. These can be sprayed for now and there are organic solutions for these, for those who may be concerned.
Hope that helps!
-Adria
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Section: LANDSCAPE & GARDENS
Q:
What is wrong with my lawn?
A:
This time of year the most common problems you will see in a lawn is rust. It will make your lawn look orange. It is very easily controlled with a fungicide listed for that purpose. If the rust isn't too bad you can mow then fertilize the lawn with a good organic fertilizer. Rust is usually seen this time of year as the weather warms up and there is still plenty of moisture in the air and can grow out of it, if it is healthy. If that doesn't sound like your problem then it is best to take a picture into The Greenery along with a small sample for assistance in diagnosing and treating it.
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Section: LANDSCAPE & GARDENS
Q:
What is this bug on my plants?
A:
It is very difficult to identify an insect unless it is seen. Can you post a picture or take a sample to The Greenery?
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Section: LANDSCAPE & GARDENS
Q:
How often should I water in the spring?
A:
Watering is a very involved subject. How often watering is necessary depends on many different factors like exposure, plants, soil type, temperature, climate and more. It is a common practice to overwater yards which wastes water and now that Turlock has water meters, money! I have included a series of informational handouts to help educate gardeners on proper watering practices. For assistance with your particular situation it is best to contact The Greenery and let them help you.
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