[Deborah1]

Hello. I have a mix of plums and gages, plus a couple of cherry trees. They all completely lost their leaves a while ago now - even before the fruit was ripe.

I'm guessing it was the hot dry summer? Has anyone else had the same this year?

Strangely all the apples, pears, peaches and nuts are all still leafy and looking good. Thanks for any replies.

[Tracybutton]

I haven't seen a plum or cherry tree over here without it's leaves  despite the dry summer we have had.
As you say I'm pretty sure your defoliation will be due to lack of water, has it affected the amount of fruit you normally get ?

[madcat]

Our gages and damsons are going yellow, but still have leaves.  But we are on the edge of the Cotswolds, which catch the last of the rain leaving Wales... 

They should recover for next year, assuming a not too dry winter...