It is not uncommon for an apple tree to start shedding its leaves in July. It can be a worrying sight for any budding fruit grower, and many growers may find themselves wondering why their apple tree is losing leaves in July. To put it simply, shedding leaves in July is a normal and healthy response from an apple tree in response to its environment. In this article, I will explain the reasons for why your apple tree is losing leaves – and also outline what steps you can take to address the underlying issues.
The Weather and Environmental Factors
The amount of sun and warm days that occur in July tend to have a direct effect on why your apple tree is losing leaves. For example, fruit trees such as apples require an extended period of winter dormancy in order to produce a full crop. If your local weather has been particularly hot and bright during July, it can cause a premature end to your apple tree’s dormancy period. In turn, this can lead to the shedding of leaves as the trees prepare for their next growth. Similarly, if you have recently experienced a period of extreme weather, such as a drought or severe frost, these environmental factors can trigger your apple tree to shed leaves in order to protect itself from the incoming stresses.
Lack of Nutrients in the Soil
Apple trees require a lot of nutrients in order to grow and stay healthy. If your apple tree is not receiving a sufficient amount of food from its home soil, then it will start to shed leaves in order to conserve energy. This is the tree’s way of signalling to you that it needs help – and that you are not giving it the necessary care that it requires. You can address this issue by mixing in some soil amendments or fertiliser into the soil surrounding your tree. This should help to stimulate root growth and also replenish the nutrients that your apple tree is missing.
Insect Infestation
An interface infestation of pests and disease that can cause apple trees to shed leaves in July. The most common cause of this is apple scab, a fungal disease that infects and weakens trees. Apple scab appears as black spots on leaves, and it can cause the foliage to yellow and drop from the branches. If your apple tree is suffering from a pest infestation then you can apply some natural pest control methods to combat the problem. This includes releasing beneficial insects into your garden, as these can help to keep the pest population under control.
Too Much Pruning
Although pruning is an important part of keeping an apple tree healthy, it is possible to overdo it. If you have been excessively cutting back your apple tree over the summer months, then this can cause it to drop its leaves prematurely. This is because your tree is not receiving the energy that it needs to survive and will react by shedding its leaves in order to conserve energy. If you have been overzealous with your pruning, then it may be a good idea to reduce the amount of pruning that you are doing in order to give your tree a chance to recover.
Pruning at the Wrong Time
On a similar note, it is important to ensure that you are pruning your apple tree at the correct times of the year. Pruning apple trees in the summer months can cause them to become stressed and susceptible to diseases, which can result in premature leaf drop. It is important to ensure that you are only performing pruning tasks during the winter months, when your apple tree is dormant. This will help your tree to stay healthy and will also prevent any unnecessary damage or stress.
Overwatering
Finally, it is possible that your apple tree is losing its leaves because you are overwatering it. Too much water in the soil can cause the roots to become waterlogged and unable to breathe, resulting in weakened branches and premature leaf drop. To avoid this, you should make sure that you only provide your tree with the necessary amount of water that it needs to stay healthy. A good way to test soil moisture levels is to use a soil moisture meter in order to ensure that your tree is not being overwatered.
Pruning and Care
One of the best ways to take care of your apple tree is to ensure that it is properly pruned. This involves removing any dead, damaged or diseased branches from your tree in order to encourage healthy growth. Pruning can also help to reduce any pest infestations that are present, as well as improve the airflow around your tree and make it more resistant to weather-related stresses. When performing pruning tasks, it is important to remember not to cut back too much – as this can lead to the shedding of unnecessary foliage.
Applying Fertiliser and Soil Amendments
Another important aspect of keeping an apple tree healthy is to apply fertiliser and soil amendments to the soil around the tree. These nutrients can help to stimulate root growth and replenish the nutrients that are missing from the soil. By applying these regularly, you can ensure that your apple tree has access to the necessary nutrition that it requires in order to stay healthy and strong. Additionally, making sure that your apple tree is not exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight and heat can also help to reduce the risk of premature leaf drop.
Watering and Mulching
Finally, it is important to ensure that your apple tree is being watered correctly. Too much water can cause the roots to become waterlogged and can lead to premature leaf drop. On the other hand, insufficient water can cause your tree to become stressed which can also result in leaf shedding. When it comes to watering, your apple tree is best off with a deep but infrequent watering regime. Additionally, adding a layer of mulch around your tree can help to regulate the soil temperature and conserve moisture – both of which are important for keeping your apple tree healthy.
Monitoring and Regular Inspections
Finally, it is important to stay vigilant and keep an eye on your apple tree for any signs of distress. Regular inspections and monitoring can help you to identify any problems early on before they worsen – and this can save you from dealing with any unnecessary damage or leaf shedding. Additionally, keeping records of any pruning or fertilising tasks that you have performed can also help you to understand your apple tree and take better care of it in the future.
