8 Reasons Why Your Pear Tree's Leaves Have Turned Red and What to Do About It

Red leaves on a pear tree in summer indicate a problem. This phenomenon can be caused by various factors, such as climate fluctuations, improper care, or disease. There are many ways to combat red leaves, including folk remedies and chemical treatments. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Reasons

To successfully combat red leaves, it's important for gardeners to identify the source of the problem. The causes can vary:

• a sharp change in temperature, heat that is atypical for the region (leaves not only turn red, but also curl up);
• phosphorus deficiency (appears initially as small spots that quickly increase in size);
• overwatering or close proximity to groundwater (roots do not have enough air);
• too deep root placement (incorrect planting);
• diseases;
• harmful insects;
• excess lime in the soil or in fertilizers;
• incompatibility of rootstock and scion.

Symptoms

Depending on the cause, symptoms vary. Long before autumn, red leaves may appear on the pear tree. The surface either completely discolors or develops spots. Furthermore, the leaf loses its shape and begins to curl or dry out. Upon noticing any of these symptoms, an experienced gardener immediately begins to investigate the cause and take measures to save the tree.

Treatment

Methods for combating red leaves vary. If the plant was initially grafted incorrectly (the rootstock and scion are incompatible), the tree is doomed. In other situations, timely treatment or changes in care can help save the tree.

Replenishing phosphorus deficiency

If the leaves change color unevenly, starting from the bottom (from the petiole), a phosphorus deficiency is most likely the cause. Next spring, apply mineral fertilizer and spray the trees with an ammonium phosphate solution every 15 days.

Removing excess moisture

If water (melt, rain, or soil) regularly accumulates in the planting area, it's important to create drainage channels. It's also important to monitor watering volumes, ensuring they're not overwatered. If the tree is young, it's best to replant it in a higher location.

Folk remedies against insects

Aphids are often the cause of redness. To combat them, use the following method:

1. Pick 5 stems of celandine.
2. Using gloved hands, chop them up (tear or chop).
3. Place the greens in 10 liters of hot water.
4. Cover with a lid and leave for 5 days in a warm place.
5. Dilute 200 ml of infusion in 10 liters of water.
6. Spray the plants several times with a break of 4-5 days.

Masai or Omite can help combat tick infestations. Treatments against these parasites are carried out twice per season.

Fighting diseases

One of the most serious diseases of pear trees is black canker. Trees are also often susceptible to fungal diseases. A common symptom is reddened leaves. Here's how to treat the plant:

1. Remove damaged bark.
2. Tear off the red leaves.
3. Trim diseased branches.
4. Burn all affected parts.
5. Carry out treatment with medications according to the instructions.

Resistant varieties

The more resistant a pear tree is to diseases and pests, the less likely it is to experience such an unpleasant symptom as red leaves in summer. "Strong" varieties:

• August dew;
• Fragrant;
• Sorceress;
• Northerner;
• In memory of Yakovlev;
• Tikhonovka;
• Chizhevsky.

Prevention

Pear trees should be planted in a high spot, without digging the roots too deep into the soil. To prevent phosphorus deficiency and protect the trees from diseases, you can treat the trees with chemicals:

1. Azofos is a disease and insect preventative. Dilute immediately before use: 100 ml per bucket of water.
2. "Skor" – use before flowering to avoid damaging fruit buds. Dilute 5 ml in 10 liters of water. One liter of solution is required per tree.
3. "Delan" – against pests, best used after flowering. Consumption: 1 kg/ha.

Adviсe

Beginning gardeners are better off choosing resistant varieties.

When purchasing a pear tree seedling, make sure the grower is professional. If the rootstock and scion are incompatible, the tree will not only bear fruit poorly but may also die (the first sign is reddening leaves).

It is better to carry out preventative treatment of diseases and pests than to treat plants later and deal with the consequences.

Conclusion

Pear tree damage from pests or diseases often manifests itself as red spots on the leaves. If even a small spot is detected, treatment should be started immediately. Another cause of leaf redness can be improper planting or care. In this case, immediate action is also necessary.