Young Apple Tree Problem - Ask Extension
I planted 6 new apple trees this spring (good stock, Stark Bros). About 3 weeks ago the ends of the leave started to turn light green and then yellow....
Knowledgebase
Young Apple Tree Problem #476326
Asked August 06, 2018, 7:24 PM EDT
I planted 6 new apple trees this spring (good stock, Stark Bros). About 3 weeks ago the ends of the leave started to turn light green and then yellow. I did a diluted spray about a week ago and the trees look about the same no worse no better. I have grown apple trees for many years and have never seen this. There is NO new growth and not sure what to do. I did include a picture of the issue. What do I do?
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
I don't see any spots on the leaves so the problem is either watering or iron chlorosis.
I am leaning toward inconsistent watering, since it is all the new trees. New trees roots are near the surface so they are subject to drought and overwatering. With the weather patterns we are in, hot/dry followed by drenching rains, makes things tough on new trees, The new trees need about an inch of water a week either from irrigation or rain fall.
If you have been watering correctly I suggest having a soil test done to check the iron levels. Were their apple trees in this site before. If so the soil may have been depleted of nutrients. Check out http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/
You sound like a seasoned grower of apples, but here are a couple of links you might look at:
http://articles.extension.org/pages/60228/effect-of-water-on-apple-trees:-not-enough-or-too-much
I am leaning toward inconsistent watering, since it is all the new trees. New trees roots are near the surface so they are subject to drought and overwatering. With the weather patterns we are in, hot/dry followed by drenching rains, makes things tough on new trees, The new trees need about an inch of water a week either from irrigation or rain fall.
If you have been watering correctly I suggest having a soil test done to check the iron levels. Were their apple trees in this site before. If so the soil may have been depleted of nutrients. Check out http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/
You sound like a seasoned grower of apples, but here are a couple of links you might look at:
http://articles.extension.org/pages/60228/effect-of-water-on-apple-trees:-not-enough-or-too-much
