Apple tree dying?

Question: What is happening to my apple tree?  It started in the spring last year and this year the tree does not look any better.  Some of the branches are "bendy" and some are dead.  Also have similar  issues with June pink bush (azaela) and rose bush

responder: Carrie B. - UVM Extension Master Gardener Program  Replied June 08, 2023, 10:03 AM EDT
response: Hi Rosemary, Thank you for reaching out to the Master Gardener Helpline. Thinking back to last spring did you notice a discoloration of the leaves or fruit? Often, the markings on the fruit can tell a lot about the disease or pest you may be experiencing. I can't quite tell from your photos, are there dark spots or blemishes/cankers in the bark? Here's a link that could help you narrow down what is wrong with your apple tree: Apple Tree Problems Are you able to dig a little at the base of the tree to examine the roots? A fungal disease such as Black Rot or Phytopthora  Root or Crown Rot can affect the tree at the base or underground at the roots and can be hard to notice at first. Depending on severity, it will spread either fast or slow (over a few growing seasons) causing branches to die over time. The spores live in the soil and thrive in wet/compacted ground. Look for brownish-red discoloration in the crown or roots or even blackening. (a healthy root system will have a whiteish color) Phytopthora commonly affects many trees and shrubs including rhododendron/azalea, roses and fruit trees. Management can be tricky, but practicing good sanitization of tools, water management and early detection can be helpful.  Here are a couple links with some useful information: Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot of Fruit Trees Phytopthora Root Rot

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 08, 2023, 11:57 AM EDT
response: good morning.  To answer your questions, the leaves were on the top branches only, and were slender, pointed and 'crinkley".  Not oval and smooth as normal leaves.  The apples (only nine of them as opposed to almost a bushel the previous year), were oval, very small, not round, spotted and all nine dropped off exceptionally early.  The bark is dead and curling, peeling in some areas.  Some branches were dead as the ends broke if bent.  Some branches still had some life in them as they bent but didn't break.  ONe question I have: should I cut off the dead branches?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 13, 2023, 11:28 AM EDT
response: Hello Rosemary:   I shared your question with the plant pathologist, and following is her input/suggestions.  Although some of the leaf issue could be a result of the May 18 frost, the main issue is black rot, a fairly weak fungal disease of apples that causes black cankers (sunken dead areas) and kills branches. These need to be pruned out and burned asap. It looks like the tree is not regularly pruned. Doing this yearly will help open the tree to air and light and make it less susceptible to weak pathogens.Remove any crossing branches, shaded branches, etc. Apples are typically biennial bearers, meaning they fruit heavily in one year and less so the next.   Pruning helps some with this biennial characteristic but orchardists battle this yearly to some extent. Here is a little more info on black rot: https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/plant-disease/tree-fruit-disease/black-rot-disease-in-apples