Hello,

It sounds like your crabapple tree is showing symptoms of apple scab, a common fungal disease caused by Venturia inaequalis. The yellowing and wilting of leaves with brown edges are typical signs. Pruning and mulching are good cultural practices, but if done improperly, they can sometimes contribute to stress on the tree, which may exacerbate the issue.

Here is information on apple scab and other crabapple diseases:

Apple scab - Integrated Pest Management (msu.edu)

Crabapple Diseases (psu.edu)

Crabapples can be a star in your landscape - MSU Extension

Apple scab of apples and crabapples | UMN Extension

Here are some management tips based on information from educational sites:

Fungicide Application: Fungicides can be effective in managing apple scab. Applying them at the right time is crucial, typically from green tip through midsummer. Homeowners can apply fungicides to small trees if they follow the label instructions carefully.

Cultural Practices: Planting disease-resistant varieties is the best long-term solution to prevent apple scab. Pruning and training trees to allow good air circulation can also help reduce the disease’s impact. More information is at this link:

Apple Scab | Yard and Garden (iastate.edu)

Leaf Litter Management: The fungus overwinters in fallen leaves, so cleaning up leaf litter in the fall can reduce the inoculum for the next season.

Remember, it may take several years to control apple scab, and repeated infections can weaken the tree.

Remember, restoring a tree’s health can take time, so be patient and consistent with your care. You might want to contact the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab or a certified arborist for more detailed guidance. They can provide advice tailored to your specific tree and local conditions. Good luck with your crabapple tree!

Here are TWO OPTIONS

OPTION 1:

For a confirmed and precise identification of the problem, I recommend you send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden>. Please include your name. The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI, the lab may also ask for additional images.

Their website is at this link:

Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

Their Contact Information is at this link:

Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

This link will explain the details of submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:

Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)

OPTION 2:

You can consult a local certified arborist for a more detailed onsite assessment and personalized advice. To find a certified arborist in your Zip Code, go to this link:

Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)

Good luck with your crabapple tree!