Apple die-back in established tree--Ft Collins - Ask Extension
Our mature apple tree has severe die-back in new growth. Likely fire blight (never a problem before) but could be cytosporosis altho I saw no cankers ...
Knowledgebase
Apple die-back in established tree--Ft Collins #666567
Asked July 20, 2020, 3:29 PM EDT
Our mature apple tree has severe die-back in new growth. Likely fire blight (never a problem before) but could be cytosporosis altho I saw no cankers or oozing.. I've included some photos.
1) Can you identify the problem?
2) Is tree salvageable?
3) If not, can we plant Prunus (and especially roses) there (or anywhere else in our yard) again?
THANK YOU!
1) Can you identify the problem?
2) Is tree salvageable?
3) If not, can we plant Prunus (and especially roses) there (or anywhere else in our yard) again?
THANK YOU!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
This is fire blight and though it's less common this year, it's a very common disease we see overall in fruit trees and crabapples. To answer your other questions:
Yes, the tree is salvageable...you can prune out the affected branches during the dormant season. If you prune them now, you have the potential to spread the disease to unaffected branches. If you prune now, you must disinfect your pruners between every cut.
Here's information on fire blight from the Washington State: http://treefruit.wsu.edu/crop-protection/disease-management/fire-blight/
If you decide to remove the tree, you can plant other plants in the rose family (roseaceae) (apples are Malus); just plant fire blight resistant species.
This is fire blight and though it's less common this year, it's a very common disease we see overall in fruit trees and crabapples. To answer your other questions:
Yes, the tree is salvageable...you can prune out the affected branches during the dormant season. If you prune them now, you have the potential to spread the disease to unaffected branches. If you prune now, you must disinfect your pruners between every cut.
Here's information on fire blight from the Washington State: http://treefruit.wsu.edu/crop-protection/disease-management/fire-blight/
If you decide to remove the tree, you can plant other plants in the rose family (roseaceae) (apples are Malus); just plant fire blight resistant species.
