Question
Hi Jim, I have 5 apple trees in my gdn and each year the apples have holes in them. Also the bark on the tree is coated in what appears to be green moss, and there are also loads of greeny blue cluster of flakes on the bark. Is this a problem for the tree and how do I get good fruit each year? Many thanks. Mo

Answer
The green is called lichens and will not damage the tree. It usually grows on tree that are not growing at a good rate. I suggest that you fertilize the tree with 10-6-4 formulation ay a rate based on the tree's age (see attached web link). The fruit problem is not related to the lichens but is an insect if there are holes in the fruit or a disease if there is rot. The common insects are maggots and curculio--the injury will tell which one you may have but both are controlled with the sane insecticides. If you are not sure which insecticide or fungicide to use check with a local nursery.

Here is a web link to information on growing and caring for apple trees in the yard and another on on pests and the fungicides or insecticides to use.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1401.html

http://ohioline.osu.edu/lines/fruit.html#FRU.1