Peach Tree Limbs Turning Black: San Jose Scale Infestation

Identification

Blackened limb tips, yellowing leaves, and gumming/cracking bark point to San Jose scale—a serious pest of stone and pome fruits.

Control

• Search “San Jose scale [your state]” for local spray timing and products.
• Dormant oil sprays target overwintering scales.
• In-season crawler sprays (e.g., pyriproxyfen, buprofezin) when crawlers emerge.

State-specific timing is critical for effective control.