Apple Tree Question
 

About half of my 20 (4-5 yrs old) apple trees look like they are dead. As I look closer the bottom parthas newgrowth coming out.I don't know much about fruit trees. Are these trees wroth saving? Some of these did the same last year. Is this growth coming from a grath, I don't know if they will ever be productive. Help from some tree person? Thanks

RE: Apple Tree Question
 

Hard to tell what to do from your post, do you have any photos? If the new growth is coming from below the graft (that is, coming out of the rootstock), then I suggest you get rid of those trees. If fire blight has killed the main stem and you are getting growth from below the infection, then you will probably lose the tree anyway.
-fsh

RE: Apple Tree Question
 

If they are growing from below the graft they are of no use.I too lost 4 trees two winters ago,they were girdled below a heavy snow fall by mice.Now I use roundup to make sure there is no grass around the bases.

RE: Apple Tree Question
 

If they're girdled or dead above the graft they're useless unless you know how to graft. If your trees are being girdled you can make simple guards from 1 1/2" plastic sump or pool hose. Cut the hose into 2-3 foot lengths and then slit it downone side. The guards pull open and fit around the tree trunks. You can move up to 4" drainage hose as the trees get larger.

Dan O.

RE: Apple Tree Question
 

Thanks for the info. I was afraid that might be the answer. There Gone!

RE: Apple Tree Question
 

I was told by the Nursery I purchased my apple trees from in the past you need to spray them every few wks with whats call Fruit tree spray. Its to prevent disease, and insects from harming the tree's. Its especially needed in heavy rainy springs. Also you should always spread a thick layer of mulch around the bases of your trees.

RE: Apple Tree Question
 

Buckalley; you need to spray the trees if you want to eat them. You should only need to spray to treatsymptoms (ie, caterpillers, mildew, rust) if problems begin. The deer don't mind wormy apples.

Dan O.