Q.Crab apple Not Doing Well
Hello, We bought a crabapple last year and it was doing really well until recently. Dots appeared on the leaves, then the leaves turned yellow and started falling. The leaves at the top of the tree have all fallen now. This past winter, something also gnawed the trunk of tree. We’re not sure if it’s due to the exposed trunk or sure to some kind of disease the tree got. Please advise. Thanks! Linda
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
That looks like cedar-apple rust. This fungus requires, both, the cedar tree and the apple tree to complete its lifecycle. You will want to treat this before it destroys the tree, completely. A fungicide will be necessary, along with proper maintenance practices. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/how-cedar-apple-rust-affect-apples.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
