Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for aphids.
- Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
- Look for signs of wilting or yellowing on the canopy.
Likely causes
Aphid infestation
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see clusters of small green or black insects on the undersides of leaves and new shoots. The leaves may also look curled or sticky from honeydew.
What to do: Spray the foliage with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days until they are gone.
Drought stress
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves will turn yellow or brown and drop prematurely during hot, dry spells. The soil will feel bone dry several inches deep.
What to do: Water the tree deeply once every 7 to 14 days to ensure moisture reaches the roots. Apply a 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to help the soil retain water.
Find out what's wrong with your european plum
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
It is normal for a few older leaves to drop in late summer, but sudden, heavy leaf loss during the growing season is a sign of trouble.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your tree well watered during dry periods and monitor new growth for pests early in the season.
European plum: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your european plum 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
- Will my tree die if it loses some leaves?
- Usually not, but it will struggle to produce energy for fruit. Address the cause quickly to protect next year's crop.
- Should I fertilize a tree that is losing leaves?
- No, avoid fertilizing a stressed tree. Wait until you have identified and fixed the root cause.
Guides to these causes
More problems with European plum
- Why are there bugs on my European plum tree?
- Why are there spots on my European plum fruit and leaves?
- Why are the leaves on my European plum curling?
- Why is my European plum not flowering?
- Why are my European plum's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my European plum tree drooping?
- How do I fix root rot in my European plum?
Back to the European plum guide
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.