removing apple tree with fire blight - Ask Extension
I have an large apple tree in my St. Paul back yard that first showed fireblight about 3 years ago. Just this last week the blighted area has doubled,...
Knowledgebase
removing apple tree with fire blight #772404
Asked September 20, 2021, 12:51 PM EDT
I have an large apple tree in my St. Paul back yard that first showed fireblight about 3 years ago. Just this last week the blighted area has doubled, it's now 3 large branches. Maybe 10% of the total tree? (it is a BIG tree). When should I consider removing the tree?
Thanks.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
It might be time to remove the tree if/when pruning to control the blight renders it unsightly or unproductive.
If there are many cankers and other fireblight susceptible trees nearby, removing it sooner is warranted.
Prompt removal of infected branches and wood is key to controlling the disease. Although winter pruning is preferred, summer pruning is effective when done properly.
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-fru-22-0
https://extension.psu.edu/apple-and-pear-disease-fire-blight-dormant-removal-of-cankers
If there are many cankers and other fireblight susceptible trees nearby, removing it sooner is warranted.
Prompt removal of infected branches and wood is key to controlling the disease. Although winter pruning is preferred, summer pruning is effective when done properly.
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-fru-22-0
https://extension.psu.edu/apple-and-pear-disease-fire-blight-dormant-removal-of-cankers
