apple tree disease or pest? - Ask Extension
We have a dozen apple trees in our yard. This one tree has large black, scaly, splotches on most of the branch crotches. The bark is peeling almos...
Knowledgebase
apple tree disease or pest? #241013
Asked May 01, 2015, 4:41 PM EDT
We have a dozen apple trees in our yard. This one tree has large black, scaly, splotches on most of the branch crotches. The bark is peeling almost as though it was burnt by fire. We removed three branches as they are dead. We dipped the saw in bleach water between cuts. What is this? What should we do about it? Is it contagious?
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
It looks as though your tree has fireblight. Unfortunately there is no cure. Only removing infected branches by cutting several inches away from the disease. These areas, however, do not look as though they can be removed. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/fruit/apple-pest-management/fire-blight/
