Yikes. That sounds like actually not enough water to me, Karen! Do you only water your yard in S. California every 2 weeks!?! I water 2 to 3 times a week. You should fertilize your young tree, don't need to overdo it, but here in California, most of us do not have soils rich in organic matter. So mulch with compost and fertilize twice a year - once as the trees wake up, and then a second application after the fruit has been picked. I think your tree is struggling from not enough water and nutrients. And of course, you need to spray 3 to 5 times during the dormant season for Peach Leaf Curl. If not, this will eventually lead to the demise of your tree. Besides the dropping fruit, how does the rest of your tree look? Can you post photos?

Patty S.

Karen:

What is the fruit like that is falling off?

Is it shriveled? Possible lack of adequate water.

Does it have a worm inside, holes in the fruit, or jelly like material ozzing out of the fruit? Possible oriental fruit moth.

Is the tree dropping any leaves or wilted? Or are the leaves perked up. Has the tree stopped growing entirely? Again possibly your new watering schedule isn't adequate.

A certain degree of water deficit will increase fruit eating quality. But the deficit is too severe if it causes the fruit to shrivel and fall.

Hi Hoosierquilt, I water my front yard about once a week. The blueberries get watered twice a week and the fig and peach tree every two weeks. I live in Costa Mesa, about a couple miles from the beach.
Hi Fruitnut,
My peach tree has plenty of leaf growth, no diseases or stunting. I have about 14 peaches ready to be picked. I just happened to notice that the smaller peaches emerging are not growing, but are drying up and falling to the ground.
I think you're both right, I think more watering is required. I will also be fertilizing.
Karen