Failing apple tree.

Question: This tree is 60+ years old.  It bloomed profusely this spring and produced apples.  It started dropping apples early - by the first of July - they were undersized and went uneaten by the deer (unusual).  As time went on, the apples became full-sized.

The has been dropping leaves all summer, starting with the lower branches.  The leaves are spotted, with curled, dried edges - they look like they are burnt.  There is a hole at the base of the trunk, but that has been there for a while.

I'd like some idea about what's going on and what treatment would be recommended,

Thank you!

responder: Andrea Landsberg, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer   Replied September 25, 2024, 9:27 AM EDT
response: Hi Jayne, Thanks for your question and for providing the photos.  Apple trees are subject to many different diseases and for commercial production need a lot of care to remain healthy.  We need to thank our orchard owners for their efforts!  Your leaves are showing signs of relatively minor fungal and insect damage. We have had wet weather last year and this year which has increased the impact of fungal diseases across many plant species - although some fungal and insect damage to apple leaves can be expected every year if trees are not sprayed (and this is not required for home trees).  When leaves are diseased the tree 'drops' them as a reaction.  Raking up the leaves this autumn and destroying them is advised to reduce the number of fungal spores around to infect the tree next year.  Thinning out the tree (pruning branches) this winter is also advised to open it up to air and light. This will help the leaves dry quicker and result in less disease.  I'll attach some resources for you on how to do this.   The heavy bloom was expected due to the frost the year before. Apples are 'alternate bearers' meaning they produce a lot of blooms one year and the next it is lighter. The apple drop in July is often a response by the tree to get rid of extra seeds so it does not have to expend a lot of energy ripening them.  You can also thin fruit after this drop so the remaining apples size well.  As you thought the hole in the trunk is quite old and likely not causing any harm. Warm regards! UVM written/recommended resources: https://www.uvm.edu/news/extension/pruning-your-fruit-trees-its-not-too-late https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw400 Video links from UConn:

responder: Andrea Landsberg, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer   Replied September 25, 2024, 9:28 AM EDT
response: Hi Jayne, Thanks for your question and for providing the photos.  Apple trees are subject to many different diseases and for commercial production need a lot of care to remain healthy.  We need to thank our orchard owners for their efforts!  Your leaves are showing signs of relatively minor fungal and insect damage. We have had wet weather last year and this year which has increased the impact of fungal diseases across many plant species - although some fungal and insect damage to apple leaves can be expected every year if trees are not sprayed (and this is not required for home trees).  When leaves are diseased the tree 'drops' them as a reaction.  Raking up the leaves this autumn and destroying them is advised to reduce the number of fungal spores around to infect the tree next year.  Thinning out the tree (pruning branches) this winter is also advised to open it up to air and light. This will help the leaves dry quicker and result in less disease.  I'll attach some resources for you on how to do this.   The heavy bloom was expected due to the frost the year before. Apples are 'alternate bearers' meaning they produce a lot of blooms one year and the next it is lighter. The apple drop in July is often a response by the tree to get rid of extra seeds so it does not have to expend a lot of energy ripening them.  You can also thin fruit after this drop so the remaining apples size well.  As you thought the hole in the trunk is quite old and likely not causing any harm. Warm regards! UVM written/recommended resources: https://www.uvm.edu/news/extension/pruning-your-fruit-trees-its-not-too-late https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw400 Video links from UConn:

responder: Andrea Landsberg, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer   Replied September 25, 2024, 9:29 AM EDT
response: Hi Jayne, Thanks for your question and for providing the photos.  Apple trees are subject to many different diseases and for commercial production need a lot of care to remain healthy.  We need to thank our orchard owners for their efforts!  Your leaves are showing signs of relatively minor fungal and insect damage. We have had wet weather last year and this year which has increased the impact of fungal diseases across many plant species - although some fungal and insect damage to apple leaves can be expected every year if trees are not sprayed (and this is not required for home trees).  When leaves are diseased the tree 'drops' them as a reaction.  Raking up the leaves this autumn and destroying them is advised to reduce the number of fungal spores around to infect the tree next year.  Thinning out the tree (pruning branches) this winter is also advised to open it up to air and light. This will help the leaves dry quicker and result in less disease.  I'll attach some resources for you on how to do this.   The heavy bloom was expected due to the frost the year before. Apples are 'alternate bearers' meaning they produce a lot of blooms one year and the next it is lighter. The apple drop in July is often a response by the tree to get rid of extra seeds so it does not have to expend a lot of energy ripening them.  You can also thin fruit after this drop so the remaining apples size well.  As you thought the hole in the trunk is quite old and likely not causing any harm. Warm regards! UVM written/recommended resources: https://www.uvm.edu/news/extension/pruning-your-fruit-trees-its-not-too-late https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw400 Video links from UConn:

responder: Andrea Landsberg, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer   Replied September 25, 2024, 9:30 AM EDT
response: Hi Jayne, Thanks for your question and for providing the photos.  Apple trees are subject to many different diseases and for commercial production need a lot of care to remain healthy.  We need to thank our orchard owners for their efforts!  Your leaves are showing signs of relatively minor fungal and insect damage. We have had wet weather last year and this year which has increased the impact of fungal diseases across many plant species - although some fungal and insect damage to apple leaves can be expected every year if trees are not sprayed (and this is not required for home trees).  When leaves are diseased the tree 'drops' them as a reaction.  Raking up the leaves this autumn and destroying them is advised to reduce the number of fungal spores around to infect the tree next year.  Thinning out the tree (pruning branches) this winter is also advised to open it up to air and light. This will help the leaves dry quicker and result in less disease.  I'll attach some resources for you on how to do this.   The heavy bloom was expected due to the frost the year before. Apples are 'alternate bearers' meaning they produce a lot of blooms one year and the next it is lighter. The apple drop in July is often a response by the tree to get rid of extra seeds so it does not have to expend a lot of energy ripening them.  You can also thin fruit after this drop so the remaining apples size well.  As you thought the hole in the trunk is quite old and likely not causing any harm. Warm regards! UVM written/recommended resources: https://www.uvm.edu/news/extension/pruning-your-fruit-trees-its-not-too-late https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/pnw400 Video links from UConn:

responder: Andrea Landsberg, UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteer   Replied September 25, 2024, 9:37 AM EDT
response: Jayne  I'm not sure if the video links went through on my reply so trying again with embedded links as well as the URLs https://youtu.be/O4rEM-sVjYU?si=cEYoi4Z7HZruEn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ysmg39bLO1o

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 25, 2024, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Thank you so much!  Very interesting  and helpful.On Wed, Sep 25, 2024, 9:37 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: