Leaves Are Turning Brown on Blueberry Trees

Season

• Blueberries grow and produce for up to 30 years but demonstrate a variety of fall and winter behaviors. Deciduous cultivars turn red and orange in fall, and then lose their leaves for winter. This leaf loss indicates winter dormancy rather than death. The blueberries produce fresh new growth with the spring thaw.

Sunshine

• Blueberries do best in full sunshine and tolerate some filtered or partial shade. They don't tolerate deep or constant shade and fail in that environment. Leaves yellow and wilt in the shade and eventually turn brown and die.

Soil

• Blueberry bushes need acidic, moist and quick-draining soil. The bushes rot in standing water and fail in tight soil. Sweet or alkaline soil doesn't provide enough nutrition for blueberry growth. Amend blueberry soil at planting and every spring thereafter with organic compost and peat moss for moisture, nutrition and drainage.

Fertilizer

• Blueberries do best with regular feedings but suffer with irresponsible fertilization. Give blueberries azalea-specific, 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 granular fertilizer in spring and at six-week intervals through midsummer. Keep the fertilizer granules off the foliage and at least 6 inches from the trunk's base and water the soil immediately after each feeding. Direct contact with fertilizer granules burns foliage and turns it brown.

Water and Mulch

• Blueberries are thirsty plants that experience foliage browning and death in dry, poor soil. Water each bush with 1 to 2 inches of water a week. Laying lay 2 to 3 inches of organic sawdust, pine needle or bark mulch on the soil maintains adequate moisture. Acidic mulches add acidity to the soil as they break down, adding more nutrition to the soil. Replenish the layer of mulch as it breaks down to maintain soil quality.