Question
QUESTION: Hi!
Can you shed some light on what could have killed two of my young (2 years old)apple trees? My 7 year old Fuji is fine and full of baby apples but my Winesap and Golden Delicious never budded out and when I cut into several branches to investigate I discovered they were dead. Both relatively healthy last year although I do battle fire blight here. The trunks of both the trees at the base were dried out and split with bark coming off and the branches look discolored. I have pulled them both out. Although I am ready to give up on trying to grow apples here in NC because of the fire bight and pest issues I would still like to know what likely happened because I do have pear and plum trees that I would want to protect if it is anything that could spread. Thank you so much!

ANSWER: Doreen:
Difficult to day w/o seeing your trees "in person". Loose bark may indicate a root rot or other decay within. If you want to replace them, investigate using resistant varieties. Contact your local county Extension office for that info. These folks do make house calls too! They are a great resource.  If you need help w/a phone #, let me know what county you live in and i can send u that info.

Regards
Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, I will call our extension office and see if someone can come look at the trees. Thank you.
Another question is: Can you instruct me on a effective schedule with the appropriate products to control fire blight and codling moths on my remaining Fuji tree? I do use Agristrep for fire blight but I still get it because it's hard to spray when needed because of wind or rain etc. and it also says not to use when fruit is visible but I have lots of fruit AND flowers at the same time. I get alot of conflicting information on what products to use and when and it gets frustrating. Thanks again for your help!

Answer
Doreen:
The Extension office should be able to supply you with information on FB and codling moth management.  Here in Arkansas we have a big problem w/FB on our ornamental pears (non-bearing).  Sanitational pruning is usually the route that homeowners take.  This is usually done during the dormant season.  It may be something that you may wish to integrate with the antibiotics.  If an antibiotic is used, it needs to be applied at first evidence of blooming and continue until petal drop.  This is because most of the infections occur via the blooms. You should have an efficient sprayer that will get the chemical over the entire tree since complete coverage is important.  There should be spray information on the label regarding frequency etc.  Cool/rainy periods during bloom tends to promote FB.

For the moth, timing of your sprays is important too.  the folks at the Extension office should be able to guide you in that area too.

Regards
Steve