Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil moisture level at the base of the tree.
- Look for blackened, scorched looking branches.
- Examine the fallen leaves for signs of pests or disease.
Likely causes
Fire Blight
Most likelyHow to tell: Branches look scorched or blackened as if hit by fire. Leaves often stay attached to the dead, curled twigs.
What to do: Prune out infected branches at least 8 to 12 inches below the visible damage. Sterilize your shears with alcohol between every cut to prevent spreading the bacteria.
Drought Stress
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves turn yellow or brown and fall off during a dry spell. The soil feels bone dry several inches down.
What to do: Water the tree deeply every 7 to 14 days during dry periods. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help the soil retain moisture.
Find out what's wrong with your quince
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
If the tree loses leaves in mid summer, it is a serious sign of stress. Some leaf drop in late autumn is a normal part of the tree going dormant.
Stopping it coming back
Water consistently during dry spells and prune out any fire blight symptoms as soon as they appear.
Quince: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your quince and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Is fire blight contagious?
- Yes, it spreads easily through tools, rain, and insects. Always sanitize your tools after working on the tree.
- Should I water more during a heatwave?
- Yes, increase your watering frequency during extreme heat to keep the roots hydrated. Aim for deep, slow watering rather than frequent light sprinkles.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Quince
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.