APPLE TREE PROBLEM - Ask Extension
Apple trees are losing all leaves. Problem started in 2014 and is widespread. Trees range from 1 year to 15 years old. All trees have same probl...
Knowledgebase
APPLE TREE PROBLEM #258527
Asked July 01, 2015, 1:32 PM EDT
Apple trees are losing all leaves. Problem started in 2014 and is widespread. Trees range from 1 year to 15 years old. All trees have same problem. Client has sprayed trees with Bonide Fruit Tree Spray hoping to take care of whatever the problem may be. Leaves curl up then fall off. If at all possible could you respond to me by Thursday, July 2. I do not work Friday or Monday and client would prefer to not wait until next week for a response. Thank you. Leaves have brown spots and client believes an insect of some type may be damaging tree.
Alpena County Michigan
Expert Response
It is hard to tell based on the photos. Are the specimen leaves shriveled because the sample dried out before the pictures were taken?
I do see some evidence of apple scab, which would result in leaf loss. Most apple varieties are susceptible to this diseases and require periodic treatment for the diseases starting in early spring. A minimum of four sprays is required.
The bark of the twigs appeared to be shriveled...I would need to know if this is the symptom seen on the tree or only because the sample dried out. If this is a common symptom on the tree then there appears to be limb, trunk or root problems. If the whole trees are affected, then the trunk or roots need to be examined for evidence of winter damage. Other causes of whole tree problems include herbicide damage, excess fertilizer.
We need to pin down the cause by closer examination of the trees, more photos, before a remedy is recommended.
I do see some evidence of apple scab, which would result in leaf loss. Most apple varieties are susceptible to this diseases and require periodic treatment for the diseases starting in early spring. A minimum of four sprays is required.
The bark of the twigs appeared to be shriveled...I would need to know if this is the symptom seen on the tree or only because the sample dried out. If this is a common symptom on the tree then there appears to be limb, trunk or root problems. If the whole trees are affected, then the trunk or roots need to be examined for evidence of winter damage. Other causes of whole tree problems include herbicide damage, excess fertilizer.
We need to pin down the cause by closer examination of the trees, more photos, before a remedy is recommended.
