Peach Tree Diseases

Question

Our one peach tree seems to be leaking sap on the branches, as well as black fungus-looking spots over about 20% of the tree trunk and branches. I’m being told that the tree may be beyond help. It is about 5-6 years old and the largest fruit we have had so far is about 3″ in diameter and with the birds and other factors, we have very few if any edible peaches. It gets about 80% sun throughout the day, and there is a fig tree that is about 15′ away with the branches growing toward and into the peach tree. Is there a way to recover the tree?

Answer 1

My guess would be that is has a pest of some kind, likely aphids or a similar sap-sucking insect. They generally tend to secrete honeydew, a sticky substance which may be present on the leaves and branches. This also leads to the sooty mold (black fungus) you are seeing. I would recommend treating the tree iwth neem oil, which should take care of the pest problem and the sooty mold. It is often sold as fruit tree spray at stores. Check the label. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm