Peach Tree

(Prunus persica)

Peach trees can produce well in Colorado with pruning and care, but they are vulnerable to borers, canker, leaf curl, aphids, and late frost injury.

Seasonal Pest & Disease Calendar

Problem Type Active Season
Peach leaf curl Fungus Spring
Cytospora canker Fungus Spring–Fall
Peach tree borer Insect Summer
Aphids Insect Spring–Fall
Spider mites Mite Summer
Brown rot Fungus Spring–Summer
Freeze injury Abiotic Late Winter–Spring

Pest & Disease Guide (Homeowner-Friendly)

Peach Leaf Curl

Common symptoms
  • Red, puckered leaves
  • Distorted growth
Treatment & management
  • Dormant treatment
  • Remove badly affected leaves

Cytospora Canker

Common symptoms
  • Amber gum
  • Sunken bark
Treatment & management
  • Prune infected limbs
  • Reduce stress

Peach Tree Borer

Common symptoms
  • Gumming near trunk base
  • Larval damage
Treatment & management
  • Monitor trunk base
  • Timed treatment if severe

Aphids

Common symptoms
  • Leaf curl
  • Honeydew
Treatment & management
  • Rinse foliage
  • Encourage predators

Spider Mites

Common symptoms
  • Bronzing
  • Fine stippling
Treatment & management
  • Increase irrigation
  • Rinse canopy

Brown Rot

Common symptoms
  • Blossom blight
  • Fruit rot
Treatment & management
  • Remove infected fruit
  • Improve airflow

Freeze Injury

Common symptoms
  • Lost flowers
  • Poor fruit set
Treatment & management
  • Choose protected sites
  • Delay pruning when possible

When to Worry vs. When It’s Cosmetic

When to Worry (action recommended)

  • Heavy trunk borer activity
  • Repeated canker spread
  • Major crop loss year after year

These can shorten tree life and reduce fruiting.

Mostly Cosmetic (monitor only)

  • Minor leaf curl
  • Light aphids
  • Some mite damage

These often improve with pruning, sanitation, and irrigation.