The fruit should be thinned so there are 6 to 10 inches between them. Doing this every year will prevent limb breakage, increase fruit size, and encourage fruiting. Fruit-Set Bees are necessary to carry the pollen from one blossom to another. Do not spray insecticides during bloom. Pest Control Use resistant varieties where possible.
Apples can suffer many insect and disease problems.
Codling moth, apple maggot, spider mites, aphids, and hornets are the common insect problems. Apple scab, apple cedar rust, fire blight and powdery mildew are the most common diseases. Mice, rabbits, and deer can be pests. A wire sleeve placed around the trunk deters rabbits. Keeping the ground around the tree free of cover in the fall and winter will help reduce mice problems.