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Is this a fire blight canker? #801202

Asked July 14, 2022, 7:28 PM EDT

This young apple tree in our family's small orchard has fire blight. We have been trying to control the blight by copper sulfate spray and pruning. (There are 2 other young trees affected as well). Under the protective screen on the trunk there was a sucker with fire blight on it and this canker. Is this a fire blight canker and if so, do we need to cut the tree down or can we treat?

Osceola County Michigan

Expert Response

If there was a side shoot with fire blight on this area of the trunk, the canker may still still harbor the fire blight bacteria.   

In any case, the trunk of the tree has a large cankered zone that is non-functional, that will never heal, that in my opinion makes the tree not worth saving.  The tree will continue to decline.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 15, 2022, 9:55 AM EDT

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