Cherry Leaf Curl

• circleThickened, puckered, and curled young leaves
• circleReddish discoloration on distorted foliage
• circlePremature leaf drop weakening the tree

Caused by Taphrina fungi (related to peach leaf curl) infecting emerging leaves in cool, wet spring weather, with spores overwintering on bark and bud scales.

Remove and destroy severely curled leaves where practical, and apply a protective copper-based fungicide spray at leaf fall and again before bud break.

Apply preventive fungicide sprays during dormancy, and avoid planting in frost pockets or areas with prolonged cool, wet spring conditions.