Q.Bark Damage In Young Apple And Pear Tree. Is It Blight, Is It A Canker, Is It Just A Natural Part Of Growing? Please Help!
We planted these fruit trees in Feb. They are approx 4 years old and have started blossoming. However, today I noticed slight damage to the bark of an Apple and a Pear tree (please see photos) . Our pyracantha suffered terribly last year with fire blight and I am concerned it has potentially now infected my fruit trees. Most pyracantha have been dug out and burned, the others have been subjected to heavy pruning. I am concerned these are starts of bacterial/fungal cankers and don’t know whether to prune them out now or wait and see if any damage is sustained to shoots and leaves? Many Thanks ???
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It could be, but these types of cankers have no good treatments available.
It can help, some, to treat with a fungicide. It likely won't cure the tree. You may need to cut that branch and dispose of well away from the tree in order to stop the spread.
Here are some articles to help you with the general care of your trees:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/apple-tree-planting.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/growing-pear-trees.htm
