I planted an apple tree and a plum tree last spring. When is the best time to prune and how much? The apple tree has branches coming out from the base.
For your apple tree, you want to cut those branches from the base every spring. They are suckers from the rootstock and will not grow to produce the same as the rest of the tree. They will only sap off the energy from the rest of the tree and will hurt fruit production.
As for regular pruning, these articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/pruning-apple-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-tree-pruning.htm
I have an apple tree in my yard, and last year I believe it got caterpillars. There was a white spider-like web encasing a bunch of branches and my apples had small black holes through them (as if a worm would burrow through the apple), mostly through the top where the stem is down into core. My guess is caterpillar. Anyways, what can I spray them with to prevent this from happening? And when do I spray?
These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/apple-maggots.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/prevent-caterpillars.htm
How to prevent worms in apples on the tree.
This article may help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/apple-maggots.htm
I have an apple tree that bears medium size reddish-yellow fruit that is sweet - makes great applesauce and pie. I do not think the tree has ever been cared for though. I got it pruned 2 years ago, so I hope this year it will produce. I am pretty sure it has apple scab. How do I care for this tree - spraying, fertilizing, etc.? I would really appreciate any help.
This article will help you with general care: http://extension.unh.edu/resources/representation/Resource000582_Rep604.pdf This article will help you with addressing the apple scab: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/treating-apple-scab-fungus.htm
How to prevent apple tree root rot?
This article will help you: https://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/fphg/pome/diseases/crown-and-collar-rot
My apple tree produces a lot, but most of the apples are deformed with an insect in the core. How do I treat?
Likely the work of apple maggots. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/apple-maggots.htm
Something strips my apple trees every year when the apples are green and about the size of a tennis ball. I live in a wooded area of MN; we do have squirrels, opossum, and raccoons around. I have found no trace of the apples on the ground around the trees, nor droppings. I had covered my apples with nylon socks to prevent infestation by insects, no trace of those either. Any idea what could be doing this and how to control it?
Because you are not seeing discarded fruit (raccoons and other similar size animals often discard half eaten food), I would say that the issue is deer. And yes, they will eat the nylon too. And even if you have a fence, they can clear a 6 foot fence without needing any run up to get over it. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm