Why hasn't the apple tree shed its leaves and what should I do?

The timing of leaf fall in apple trees can vary among different groups of cultivars. Late-ripening varieties have shoots that remain green longer because they dedicate nutrition to the fruit until almost mid-autumn. However, before the onset of cold weather, the leaves should turn yellow and fall, due to the physiology of deciduous plants. Missing this phase is dangerous for the crop. This indicates that the plant is not ready for winter.

Reasons for the lack of leaf fall

In winter, a fruit tree, when exposed to the elements, must enter a period of stagnation. This is due to physiological processes. If the leaves haven't fallen, it means chemical processes are still occurring within the plant. When frost sets in, the tree is just beginning to prepare for winter, which can adversely affect future fruiting.

Sometimes this phenomenon is associated with abnormal weather conditions, when a hot summer and fall are suddenly followed by severe cold. However, more often, the causes are related to improper agricultural practices when cultivating fruit trees:

1. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer or organic matter to the soil in autumn. Subsequently, the tree continues to grow, building up green mass, and does not shed its leaves in time.
2. The arrival of rainy autumn weather replaces the dry summer. The apple tree is just beginning to actively absorb moisture.
3. Incorrect selection of a variety that is not adapted to the agroclimatic conditions of the region.
4. Development of pathogenic organisms that disrupt photosynthesis.
5. The onset of warm autumn after a rainy summer – the tree uses its leaves to evaporate excess moisture.

What is the danger?

Apple trees shed their leaves between mid-September and late October. This is how deciduous plants evolved to adapt to harsh, long winters. Changes in daylight hours and daily temperatures signal the plant to begin preparing for the cold.

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In natural conditions, healthy trees shed their leaves in a timely manner. This process lets the gardener know for sure that the growing season has been successfully completed and the apple tree has entered dormancy with high frost resistance. The shedding of yellowed foliage also indicates the successful development of the bark on young growth, which will protect the shoots from adverse weather conditions. Any deviation from the norm indicates a disease in the fruit tree, and simply trimming the leaves won't solve the problem.

What to do if the plant has not shed its leaves

There are several tips to help avoid problems with the onset of leaf fall. One is to avoid planting southern varieties with a "capricious nature." Apple trees grow well in moderately fertile soils. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. In the fall, when preparing for winter, it's best to add phosphorus and potassium, which further strengthen the plant's immune system. If a gardener notices that a young fruit tree isn't ready for winter, provide additional protection: install a frame around it and cover it with protective material. The trunk of a mature tree is wrapped in burlap to protect it from frost and cold wind. The area around the tree trunk is mulched with sawdust (a 10-20 cm layer).

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Common mistakes

Gardeners don't always notice the slow aging of foliage in time. After winter arrives, if you see a green crown, don't try to pluck it or cut it with pruning shears. The consequences will be negative, as the lack of leaf fall is only a sign that the tree is not ready. If possible, simply provide shelter. High concentrations of pesticides should also be avoided. The tree will simply suffer severe burns.

Leaf shedding products

When autumn brings no signs of slowing growth (the gardener observes no yellowing of foliage, lignification of young shoots, or differentiation of buds), growth stimulants are used. Synthetic inhibitors help the plant synthesize ethylene, which is responsible for shedding green mass. When sprayed, they penetrate the tissue and stimulate senescence, destroying chlorophyll in the foliage and causing artificial leaf shedding. However, it is important to adhere to a timeframe that coincides with the natural death of green mass. Earlier application will reduce effectiveness.

If your apple tree hasn't shed its leaves in time, it's worth reviewing the agricultural practices carried out during the fruit tree's growth. Regular care and proper care will ensure the tree's good health and a rich harvest every year.