New apple trees…what is wrong?

11 years ago

We planted two apple trees last spring. We went away last week and when we came home, I saw that one tree had a huge "cob web" around a branch with all of the leaves turning brown. I came to this site and saw that it was caterpillars. I've actually removed the leaves that were infected (all of the leaves at end of the branch) as well as all of the caterpillars I saw.

Then, I noticed that some of the leaves were looking strange. Can you help me identify the issue? What should I do? (We are trying to stay all organic…so harsh chemicals are not an option. We have nasturtium growing at the base of the trees, but they are not blooming yet.

The second tree (below):

Thank you!!

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Comments (4)

fireduck
11 years ago
A...I think you have a couple of different things going on here. Your curly green leaves might be infested with aphids. Unravel the leaves and look inside. Secondly, the dieback of leaves (usually from the tips of branches first) is probably fireblight. Google that. If so, you need to prune off the affected branch well below the damage (8-12 inches). Hope this helps.
Andrea thanked fireduck
TurkeyCreekTrees Zone 5B
11 years ago
I would agree with fireduck from what I can see in your pictures.
Andrea thanked TurkeyCreekTrees Zone 5B
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Andrea
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you, both!! Now that I have pruned the branches back that had fire blight...one of the trees is quite bare, but hopefully healthy!! I am now wondering, how do I prevent these issues? Is there something organic that I can use?
fireballsocal
11 years ago
Clean your pruners with bleach or rubbing alcohol as the fireblight can be spread. Aphids can be sprayed directly with a mixture of dish soap and water. You probably won't get rid of them but you can control them. The fireblight is a pathogen and is a pain in the rear. Cut it out and burn and material showing the signs is the best way to approach the stuff.