Hi Scott,

One thing I always do is spray my trees with Dormant oil. You have missed the window to do that. It must be done when the tree is still dormant, no buds opening, in very early spring. Dormant oil is considered an organic treatment that smothers unwanted insect eggs on your trees.

Right now you can make sure your trees are well mulched. The larger the area around the tree the better but no deeper than a couple of inches of wood mulch (making sure it doesn't touch the trunk).

When the fruits begin to form and are approximately the size of a nickel  I tie a fruit bag around them. This is the best way I have found to keep insect off your apples. It is worth the time to do it ! No chemicals necessary. 

https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef218

Here is a link with a lot of good information;

https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/fruits-and-vegetables/how-to-grow-no-spray-organic-apples

It's normal for a fruit tree to drop immature fruit. Often times the tree just can't support the amount of fruit it initially produces. Make sure you regularly pick up and discard all fallen fruit. They can harbor bugs that will burrow into the soil and lay eggs.

In general, do a lot of reading on the subject. Try to stay ahead of problems. Add a bird bath to encourage birds, they are helpful in eating insects.

Good luck,

Sally Granath

St. Louis County MG

Thanks for the information!
One quick follow up question. I have read neem oil may have some insect repellent qualities. Any thoughts?

Hi Scott,

Neem oil does have an insecticidal properties;

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/neemgen.html#:~:text=Neem%20oil%20is%20slightly%20toxic,not%20likely%20to%20be%20harmed.

I'm not sure it is very effective on problems that affect apple trees. 

I left out another proactive tip; hang fake apples in the tree coated with sticky goo that you can buy  (not very expensive). Do this as soon as you see the tiny apples forming on the tree. I have just used various reddish colored recycling which works just as well.

Apples are really prone to a lot of problems in central and southern MN. The variety makes a huge difference to how difficult it can be.

I forgot to answer the second question you had about identifying apple tree types. I have nothing helpful to say other than asking neighbors and seeing if there are any other apple trees around you that produce a similar looking apple. 

Sally Granath

St. Louis County MG