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Is my Apple tree sick?

C_craneC_crane Posts: 6
in Problem solving
Hello all, I'm new to gardening and slowly finding my way around a flowerbed! I'm posting in the hope that I might get some advice regarding an apple tree in our garden, planted by the developers of our new home. 
Although it looks healthy with plenty of baby apples, the trunk looks like it's taken some serious damage and i wonder if it's canker? If so, can i do anything? 
It's also suffering with ants farming leaf-curling aphids, but I've greased the trunk and have ladybirds on the way! 
Please have a look at the photos, and any advice appreciated! 
Thanks in advance. 

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited May 2020
    I'd say that it has indeed got canker which almost certainly entered via physical damage caused by the builders (it's typical of them to roughly hack back or simply tear-off any branches which get in their way.)  Due to the position of the damage near the base, I don't think there's any way of pruning-out the canker which is the only known treatment.  I would suggest you plan ahead with a mind to replacing the tree.  Enjoy the fruit from it this year but I'm afraid the long term prospects for your tree are rather bleak and it is unlikely to recover.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • C_craneC_crane Posts: 6
    Thanks Sir, I was afraid of that. We moved in last September and had a couple of apples of the tree, and this year there are plenty! Perhaps it's a last 'hurrah' but I'm a bit gutted as I'd hoped I could save it. Still, at least the incoming ladybirds will have a good meal on those cursed aphids! 
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Young trees are particularly vigorous and want to live so it is possible it will survive with new bark eventually extending over the exposed heartwood.  If it does, it will have quite a gnarled appearance but that can be very attractive in an apple tree if it suits the style of the garden.  I would get a second tree if you can so that you are covered if it doesn't make it.  Another apple tree would also be good for pollination giving a better crop from both trees.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • C_craneC_crane Posts: 6
    Thanks again, really appreciate the good advice. 
  • Mrs-B3-Southampton,-HantsMrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants Posts: 732
    Clear a metre wide circle round the base to stop grass competition.
    Southampton 
  • C_craneC_crane Posts: 6
    Brilliant, thanks will do that. Is it worth covering over the existing canker with wound paint? 
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