Question
I have a wealthy man apple tree(approx. 7 years old) that has in a matter of two weeks had five large branches die.  First the leaves begin to wilt then they turn brown and die.  There are no obvious discolorations(blotches or spots) on the leaves before they begin to wilt.  The sick branches also begin to weep sap until the branch will be wet looking. What could this be and can my tree be saved?

Thank you in advance for your time,
Melissa
Central Wyoming

Answer
Melissa,

It sounds like the tree has been beset by flat headed apple borers. These insects tunnel around under the bark destroying the cambium layer and causing the die back. You will need to prune out the dead branches and contact a tree care company to have them micro inject the tree with insecticide.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen