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Apple tree disease

rafuk73rafuk73 Posts: 68
in Problem solving
Hello. My apple tree has a big problem this summer as per the image. Is it so serious that I need to remove the tree? Thanks

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    That looks like aphid damage and often happens.  You can snip off the worst affected tips but the tree will recover and grow new leaves anyway.  The aphids are 'farmed' by ants which eat the sweet liquid they excrete, so I always recommend buying and fitting a grease band around the trunk in late winter, just as growth begins.  The band will prevent ants from climbing the tree and carrying young aphids around the tree and onto the fresh growth on the tips of the branches.  You will still get a few aphids, but can knock them off with a hose spray attachment as soon as you see them.  Some info here:

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • rafuk73rafuk73 Posts: 68
    Thank you very much!
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