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Apple tree not thriving - seems sick?

amelia_smithamelia_smith Posts: 5
in Fruit & veg
Hello! 

I was wondering if anyone can help me identify if this apple tree is sick and what might be wrong? We inherited it with new home so I don't know what variety or how old it is. There was very little blossom this year and now the branch tips look dead. I'm not sure it's going to produce any fruit.

I've attached some pictures, there seems to be some fungus and white patches as well. 

Any help would be much appreciated! I'm completely new to fruit trees. Thanks

Posts

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    I think it may have crown gall, which is a growth caused by a bacterial infection and canker which is fungal. It looks as though someone has tried to cut out the growths then they have got infected with the fungus. I think they have painted the black stuff on the wounds. Really it is like a bad cancer so they best thing is to get rid of the tree.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    When we moved in here in 1978 there was an old bramley (?) tree. The side of the trunk you could see from the path was as should be but when you went behind it was hollow. This tree has produced fantastic apples every year and the woodpeckers make great nesting holes in the main branches. We decided to leave the tree and never regretted doing so. Your tree? Don't know the problem but maybe ask a neighbour if they know what variety it is and if they know if it does usually fruit. If it can be saved all the better but if concerned then as @Busy-Lizzie says remove all of it and plant another.
  • amelia_smithamelia_smith Posts: 5
    Oh no :( reading about crown gall and it doesn't sound good at all. I really wanted to keep the tree but if it can spread and infect other things in the garden then that would be a nightmare. 
    Thanks for your input, going to try to find a tree expert to have a look
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Wise decision I think, better than relying on us.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
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