Is this Apple canker? - Ask Extension
Two of my apple trees are still fully leafing out and producing modest amount of blossoms but often little to no fruit. Wondering if these damaged ar...
Knowledgebase
Is this Apple canker? #872616
Asked June 11, 2024, 1:00 PM EDT
Two of my apple trees are still fully leafing out and producing modest amount of blossoms but often little to no fruit. Wondering if these damaged areas are apple canker or something? Damaged areas include main trunk so options are basically to leave the tree or cut them down. Trees are 8 years old, in full sun, with multiple other apple trees to pollinate.
Cook County Minnesota
Expert Response
These photos look like sunscald scars. I'll bet these scars are on the south or west side of the tree. Exposure to warm temperatures when the tree is dormant, followed by immediate freezing, is typically responsible. At this point, there is not much you can do. The trees will probably manage just fine. In the future, we suggest protecting thin-barked trees such as apple from late winter sun. Here is a reference:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter#sunscald-1263860
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter#sunscald-1263860
