Hello Sally,

Thank you for contacting the UNH Extension Infoline with your question about your apples trees. From what you have said, these trees are old enough that they should be producing some fruit. I am presuming they produced blossoms? Lack of pruning may be partially a cause. The first link below addresses that and some other issues related to lack of fruiting. The pictures you sent do not show insect damage, but possibly fungal damage. So, I am attaching a link about apple scab disease. With many of these fungal diseases, hygiene can be very helpful. raking up all fallen leaves so the fungus is not able to reappear in the spring.

As for spraying, there are organic options which can be effective, including neem oil, kaolin clay, and spinosad. Even with organic sprays, caution should be used, following the label directions. The last link I have included contains mountains of information. I understand your concerns about pets, etc.,and it is good to also consider the other insects, like bees which help with pollination.

https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=884570

https://extension.unh.edu/resource/apple-scab-fact-sheet

https://blogs.cornell.edu/treefruit/ipm/apple-ipm-for-beginners/

I hope this information is helpful. If you are interested in learning about pruning UNH Extension offers many hands on workshops to help backyard gardeners.