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Ornamental Apple Tree Dying #575815

Asked July 01, 2019, 11:37 AM EDT

I have an apple tree that was thriving last year, but has many branches without leaves and dying leaves on other branches.  The green leaves are not healthy themselves.  I have not applied any fertilizer to the tree since moving in 6 years ago, so that may be the problem.  Another apple tree adjacent to it is fine.  This apple tree is in the sun and the bark shows sun scorch damage, but has since I bought the house.  It's a fairly large tree and I'd hate to lose the privacy and shade that it gives. What's the best way to figure out if the tree can be saved without spending hundreds on an arborist to simply advise me that there's nothing I can do to save it?  The tree is located east of the Hogback Ridge; west of Chatfield Reservoir in very clayey soil.  I don't water it regularly, but considering the amount of recent rainfall, wouldn't think it was drying out.  I appreciate any assistance you could provide.
Thank you,
- Thomas C.

Jefferson County Colorado

Expert Response

Hello. Thank you for your question. I've included a link below regarding fire blight which is common in apple trees. Does this look like what you're describing?

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fire-blight-2-907/

I've also included a link regarding winter watering. Though we've had a cool, wet spring, our previous seasons have been relatively hot and dry which can cause stress in our plants. Is the tree watered with an irrigation system or any other supplemental water prior to this wet season?

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fall-and-winter-watering-7-211/

Feel free to email photos and ask additional questions to <personal data hidden>

Thank you

Arapahoe County Extension Replied July 08, 2019, 1:31 PM EDT
The local nursery said it may be lack of oxygen and/or iron as a result of the wet spring.

I've attached photos.  It may or may not be fire blight. If it is, it looks like there is little I can do to save my tree, but I can start by trimming of infected branches?

Please look at the attached pictures and recommend other signs to look for to verify fire blight.  I will check it tonight for oozing bark.

Thanks,
- Thomas
The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2019, 5:28 PM EDT

Hello, thank you for your photos. Due to the clayey soil in your area which retains water, the soil may be somewhat waterlogged and the nursery's idea of lack of oxygen or iron may be part of the issue. Check with your nursery for a good product to use to address this.

Pruning the dead branches is a good idea. Per the CSU fact sheet previously provided, please note that you should clean the pruning tool after each cut so that the fire blight does not spread. A germicidal wipe is good for this.

You can contact an arborist at treesaregood.com to find a reputable one. You can ask if they will look at your tree for free.

Please contact us with any further questions.

Arapahoe County Extension Replied July 09, 2019, 1:39 PM EDT

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