The best way to ensure your apple tree is propagated correctly and not infected is to graft the tree onto a rootstock, such as M9. This needs to be done when the bark of the original planting starts thickening and aging, in order for the grafted branches sprouting from it do so at a higher level quality than if they were planted on their own roots. $4 per Apple Tree Grafting Kit
2. Ensure that your plantings are in sunny locations with no adjacent shade trees able to cast early morning shadows on them
3a Use only high-quality nursery stock - insect pests are more prevalent where plants are nearing wilting or wind damage has occurred
3b Prune...