How do we save this apple tree? - Ask Extension
We're in a marine climate (5-minute walk from the ocean) and we have two trees, different cultivars, the younger of which isn't doing so well. It had ...
Knowledgebase
How do we save this apple tree? #889590
Asked November 09, 2024, 4:34 PM EST
We're in a marine climate (5-minute walk from the ocean) and we have two trees, different cultivars, the younger of which isn't doing so well. It had lost many of its leaves already as of October, and the apples are very spotty. (The tree also has a bad lean, which we've countered with a stake and rope since the photo was taken.) It looks like it might be a case of apple scab, in which case I've read the recommendations and am prepared to act on them, but could still use some confirmation of this (as I'm an internet-educated novice). Or is it something else? Or there are multiple things wrong? In short, all suggestions are welcome. We're aware they need pruning; we've been gradually bringing them in line after several years of neglect before we bought the place.
Lincoln County Oregon
Expert Response
Well, you certainly have apple scab based on the images of the fruit close up. The landscape images of the leaning tree tells me you are setting too much fruit. The root stock is likely a size controlling rootstock keeping the whole tree small. The heavy fruit set is likely contributing to the lean. Propping it up will help. Next year will not get as much fruit but thinning should help the situation. The trunk kind of looks like it may be cracked. If so it might be the reason for the poor growth and lack of leaves. I would be concerned with a root rot, collar rot or internal decay. Not enough information in the images to tell one way or the other.
