Fire Blight on Apple Tree - Ask Extension
Hi-I have what I believe is Fire Blight on one of my mature Apple trees. One of the larger vertical branches has died, and I see black markings on oth...
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Fire Blight on Apple Tree #937208
Asked June 29, 2026, 1:58 PM EDT
Hi-I have what I believe is Fire Blight on one of my mature Apple trees. One of the larger vertical branches has died, and I see black markings on other branches. I know the best time to prune Apple trees in typically late winter, but is it safe to prune the dead branches out now? And what treatment, if any, can I approach for this tree, or am I better off to have it removed? Thank you!
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Patrick,
Yes if the disease is advancing you can prune now. Make sure to sterilize your tools between EVERY cut, even when making multiple cuts in the same tree.
This page has details:
https://extension.umn.edu/garden-problems/fire-blight
If much of the tree is infected you may want to remove the tree. Sorry.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
