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Apple tree health #878330

Asked July 22, 2024, 6:10 PM EDT

I have 4 apple trees planted in 2022. 2 honeycrisp and 2 fireside. Last year all produced between 5 and 20 small apples but this year only one had 5 apples and all are now showing yellowing and spots on the leaves. The picture is from about 2 weeks agin and the leaves are curling and getting worse. Looking for some guidance on next steps to not lose these fruits trees. Thanks!

Washington County Minnesota

Expert Response

That is probably Apple Scab. It has been wide spread this year.  It is not fatal.  Sanitation is important.  Clean up and dispose of all leaves as they fall. Next spring you will have to spray at 'green tip' (when the leaves are just barely starting to come out) with a fungicide meant for the fungus.  As far as production, apple trees mostly produce on an every other year basis.  As the trees get older and larger, there are some apples every year but every other year will produce a larger crop.  I do have some concern though about the trunk protection I see in the photo.  Those plastic sleeves are wonderful for protecting from rabbits but should be removed around April 1st and put back on around October 1st.  They do not breathe and I have seen trunks rot from the build up heat and moisture.  https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/apple-scab
Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied July 22, 2024, 8:03 PM EDT

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