Question
Hi,
I have 2 apple trees.  The first 2 years we lived in our house, we got lots of apples off both trees.  One tree produces a sweeter tasting apple and the other tree produces a more tart one.  The last 3 years, I've noticed the sweeter apple tree is producing less apples each year.  This spring, there are very few blossoms on it.  I do not use fertilizer.  I have pruned both trees (I did not clean off my pruner between cuts).  I do notice the leaves on the sweeter tree have looked a little wilted mid-summer compared to the other apple tree. Do you have any idea what is wrong and if I can do something to help my apple tree?
Thanks!!

Answer
Becky,
There are so many possibilities for what is going on.  Look at the trees closely for any evidence of spots on the leaves or cankers on the branches or trunk.  You will also want to look for signs of insects boring into the trunk.  They usually look like very small holes in the trunk or large branches.  If you do not find anything, you may want to look at the overall growth pattern of the trees.  If the sweet apple is not as large or the canopy is thinner, it may not have established itself as well or may be less suited for your location.  You may want to have a soil test done to confirm that your fertility and pH is proper for the trees.  This will also give you guidance on what types of fertilizer to use on the tree.  During periods of drought, be sure to water the tree.  The health can be compromised if you allow the tree to wilt and become stressed.  The problem may also be in the root system, but it is hard to know since this cannot be easily examined.

Continue to monitor the tree and you may want to contact your county extension office.  You can go to this website and select your county to get the contact information: http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/ctyweb.htm  The extension educators will often make site visits or may have more advice about apples that are well adapted to your area.

Good luck!