Hello, In 2011 and 2013 we had torrential rains (I think we had almost 20" in May and June) and my cherry trees which were not on mounds dropped their leaves in mid summer with just the little ones left (They never recovered). The peaches not on mounds did not drop their leaves but were weakened and did not survive the winter. Winter damage (at least here) normally shows itself right after bloom when the trees are leafing out, and all the leaves die, not just the big ones. Once I had leaf drop on an apricot I sprayed with an "Organic Pyrethrin" spray, it was the only tree I sprayed that day and started dropping leaves a few days later. I chalked it up to a bad batch of spray, I threw the rest out. The tree recovered and lived for years. So I would guess either your trees are sensitive to your spray or dose, for which you can try another ones there are alot around (or could it be your water? over chlorinated, or hard?), or water on the roots (which prevents oxygen from getting to the roots so they drown).

dlcc, it is a shot-hole disease and is probably bacterial spot. If it is only in a couple spots don't worry. If it is all over, you need to do dormant copper sprays in late fall and early spring when the leaves fall off and just before they come out. There is not a lot to do during the growing season, but it does help to open up the tree to let more light in by pruning off limbs from crowded areas. Scott

You all are all right and make good points, though somewhat depressing ones in some cases (1/2 peach trees die!!!). I suspect I have learned a hard lesson about fertilizing during a dry period. I also know that many people say not to fertilize at all, but as an avid gardener who sees the benefits of fertilize to most veggies, its just so hard to convince myself that a little fertilize won't help my trees also! And yes, its also crazy as #$%* for me to be trying to mix my own pesticide concoctions and strengths. But the Japanese beetles that showed up about 2 weeks ago here are absolutely destroying everything and seem almost unstoppable so I was desperate. All in all, I think this little experience just reminds me one more time that I really have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to fruit trees and what little success I've had is mostly just good luck and following advice from the good people here. Finally, again, its somewhat hopeful hearing that MrsG has had similar situations more than once and managed to hold on to the fruit and the tree, so maybe I'll survive my own stupidity. Thanks all.

Thanks Don for your response. Where it's located in the orchard there can be temporary standing water after heavy rainfalls, although it drains within a few hours. A satsuma tangerine, celeste fig, and pineapple guavas within a few feet and under the same conditions do OK. When I planted, I trimmed the circular roots that had grown that way in the pot, and shook open the root ball. I dug the hole for it about four feet deep, and about four feet across, then amended the mostly sand with about 25 pounds of composted manure. Fertilizer is the 6-4-6 Sunniland Citrus/Mango/Avocado granular. I prune to keep an open center. Are peaches more of an "arid" grower, and sensitive to having their feet wet? Should they be kept more on the dry side, with periods of light watering? Thanks again. Bruce