One day, gardeners are faced with the fact that an unpretentious apple tree suddenly begins to dry out. This could be the top of the tree or one of the branches.
Let's try to figure out what the reason is and whether it is possible to stop the process. Sometimes the answer is literally on the surface.
You need to pay attention to the composition of the soil, the weather, and remember when the last time you treated the soil for pests and diseases.
1. Bad weather
This could be extreme heat in the summer, frosty and snowless winter, due to which the branch froze, heavy rains, etc. Problems can only be avoided if you plant a variety adapted to specific climatic conditions.
2. Soil
Problems arise if the tree grows on sandstones or heavy clay soils. High groundwater and poor soil negatively affect development.
3. Care
All this can be avoided if you properly care for the apple tree and choose the seedlings wisely. The roots should be 2 times larger than the crown, and the hole depth should be at least 70 cm. The nearest plantings should not be closer than 2 meters from the apple tree planting site. It is also important to properly approach tree pruning.
4. Processing
In addition to caterpillars and beetles, spider mites, red mites, aphids, leafhoppers and glassworms can cause significant damage to apple trees. Pesticides are used before flowering.
The tree can be affected by scab or powdery mildew. Pruning and removing damaged shoots, as well as timely treatment, will help.
You shouldn't hope that if the tree is healthy on the outside, then the harvest is safe. Many diseases don't show themselves until a certain time. That's why it's so important to take preventive measures and follow advice on caring for an apple tree in spring and autumn.
