Home and Landscape

Wind Injury

Strong, persistent wind can cause damage to fruit trees by dehydrating the leaves or even stunting the growth of young trees. Drying winds cause bronzing, pitting, and curling of leaves, mostly on the outside of the canopy exposed to the wind. Strong winds may cause fruit to rub against twigs or thorns and develop scars.

Identification

Solutions

To avoid wind damage, create a windbreak or plant trees in a sheltered area.

Corky patches and spots on surface of three plums caused by rubbing of leaves or shoots against developing fruit during windy weather.   Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Wind scab on plum. Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Tattered brown leaves from strong winds Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Wind injury to plum leaves. Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
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