If the leaves of the apple tree start to curl up, it can have a completely harmless trigger. However, pest infestation or a disease could also be the cause. Since the tree suffers greatly from the damage to the foliage, quick action is required.
Why do the apple tree leaves curl?
This can be caused bydrought, pests or diseases. The tree is often infected with apple scab or apple powdery mildew. Pests such as aphids, bedbugs and spider moths also cause curling of the leaves through their sucking activity.
How do I find the cause of the curled leaves?
Inspect the leavesof the apple treethoroughly. If there is currently no drought, one or even more of the following characteristics can usually be found quite quickly:
- Pestful insects or caterpillars have settled on or under the leaves.
- There are signs of feeding.
- Webs with pupae also indicate pests.
- White deposits or dark leaf spots are often caused by fungi.
What helps against curling leaves caused by drought?
If the leaves curl as a result of drought stress, you should water theapple tree thoroughly. Always water in the evening and make sure to add enough water so that it can penetrate into the deeper layers of the soil.
What to do if pests are responsible for the curl?
Aphids or spider mothscan be easily controlled with home remedies,so you can usually do without an insecticide:
- Web moths: Glue rings (€22.00 on Amazon), which are attached to the trunk of the apple tree in autumn, help against these.
- Lice: Spraying the fruit tree with a sharp jet of water helps here. Additionally, you can spray the aphids on the apple tree with a mixture of one part soft soap and ten parts water.
Does the marbled stink bug cause the leaves to curl?
TheMarbled Stink Bug, which migrated from East Asia, causes curlingof the leaves throughits sucking activity. Unfortunately, there are currently no approved pesticides.
However, the stink bugs don't like the smell of catnip at all. If you hang bunches of herbs in the apple tree, this can help, in addition to collecting them, to drive away the unpleasant crawlers.
Do the leaves of the apple curl up when infected with fungus?
Mildew and apple scabare often thecause oftheleavesof the apple treecurling. Since the fungus can spread throughout the garden under favorable conditions, quick action is required if the apple tree is infected with fungus:
- Remove the affected leaves and cut the branches back five to ten centimeters into the he althy wood.
- Collect all the fallen leaves.
- Dispose of in household waste as the spores can survive on the compost.
- Spray the fruit tree with horsetail broth.
Can you prevent leaves from curling?
You can prevent curling of the leaves bymaking surethatno pestscolonize the tree andFight plant diseases early.
Since apple trees are much more resistant in the right location, you should give the tree a sunny, airy place. You can also encourage beneficial insects in your garden through suitable nesting places and extremely careful use of plant protection products.
Tip
Apple scab on the fruits
If you have had to deal with curled leaves due to scab, the fruits are often covered in unsightly spots. The apples are usually still edible, but they can no longer be stored. Simply cut out the brown spots and consume or process the fruit promptly.
