Prunus Yellow Leaves

Hi

I have a Prunus I believe it is a Plum (or cherry)? I've noticed that some of the leaves are yellowing and they fall off quite easily. What may be causing this? Ive been removing them daily.

Could be too much water/poor drainage. Check the soil. I notice small rocks on the surface or is that the soil. What size are the holes in the pot? Where are you keeping the plant? How often are you watering. How are you watering.?

Prunus are victimized by almost all known fungal and bacterial diseases. Most that affect leaves are cosmetic and you are doing the right thing. I know of no way to guarantee to keep fungus away from Prunus sp. Winter and spring spraying with lime sulfur MAY help.

Thanks for the comments guys.

Jim-Thanks i will look into the lime sulfur. P.S. I checked out the book you recommended at my local library (i believe it is flowering bonsai?) I haven't read it all but it looks to have some decent information.

Billy- Yes those are small rocks on the top surface of the soil. There are 2 drainage holes about 1" in diameter I believe. I typically water once a day either in the morning or evening. I usually just water the soil and maybe 3 times a week i spray from above and water the leaves as well. The tree is in a shaded spot where it gets sun in the early morning and late afternoon as the sun is setting. It seems to be doing OK but I'm no expert and wasn't sure if it is a serious problem or not.

Thanks again!

You should water when the soil is dry, not every day. Use a wooden meat skewer to check soil moisture, stick the skewer in the the soil about an inch deep 1/2 way between the trunk and the edge of the pot, remove skewer, if it is wet don't water.
NEVER spray the foliage.

i spray from above and water the leaves as well

Uh uh. Prunus sp.are so susceptible to fungus diseases that you should make every effort to keep the leaves dry -- and even then, you'll probably get powdery mildew.

Just like for your apple-tree, this one looks quite healthy to me: it may be a fungal disease, or just a few leaves drying out where insects have had a bite.

And Jim is right: for prunus (generally speaking), cool feet, dry head, don't worry, your prunus will stay healthy

Spraying the leaves in the evening is good for pine-like species when it's very hot, especially if you want short needles and don't water very much. For deciduous trees, it's usually opening a door to diseases.