The effect on the tree can be profound. Since the fruit's growth depends on active leaf photosynthesis to bring in sugars for swelling and ripening peaches, losing leaves affects the crop and the tree's health. If not controlled, a severe infection can kill a tree in 2 to 3 years. Many gardeners know that one cultivar of peach, the 'Frost' peach, resists peach leaf curl. However, it's susceptible for the first 2 to 3 years, so even if your garden has the 'Frost' you may need information on controlling the disease.
Peaches open blooms quite early, certainly much earlier than apples and plums.
This affects the timing of peach leaf curl control. The fungus lives from season to season on bark, twigs, and old infected leaves. Clean up as much of this as possible as the end of the summer season. If you are also interested in an experimental way to manage the disease, WSU fruit researchers at Mount Vernon have had good results covering the leafless trees in winter to keep the branches and trunks dry. They used clear plastic.