Apple Tree branches are dying - Ask Extension
Branches in my apple tree are dying at different areas of the tree. Please see attached pictures. What could be causing this and what measures should ...
Knowledgebase
Apple Tree branches are dying #459491
Asked June 04, 2018, 2:26 PM EDT
Branches in my apple tree are dying at different areas of the tree. Please see attached pictures. What could be causing this and what measures should I take to prevent it?
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
It looks like your tree has symptoms of fire blight, a bacterial disease. Our wet weather this spring has been very favorable for this disease to develop.
See our website for photos, information, and management options. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/fireblight-trees
Infected branches should be pruned 8-12 inches below any visible symptoms. Don’t prune infected shoots back to a healthy branch. Leave a 4-5 inch stub that can be pruned off over the winter when the disease is dormant.
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/ugly-stub-pruning-fire-blight
ckc
See our website for photos, information, and management options. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/fireblight-trees
Infected branches should be pruned 8-12 inches below any visible symptoms. Don’t prune infected shoots back to a healthy branch. Leave a 4-5 inch stub that can be pruned off over the winter when the disease is dormant.
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/ugly-stub-pruning-fire-blight
ckc
Thank you for the response. I appreciate it and will follow the recommended pruning approach.
