Apple tree dying?

[blumsden]

I have a Yates apple tree that appears to be dying. The leaves are brown, but the limbs appear to still be alive. This is a 4 year old grafted tree. It is close to other apple,pear,and crabapple tree's. I haven't sprayed anything. We've been getting plenty of rain lately and the tree looked good all summer, up until a week ago. We had a drought, but i watered the tree's several times. I'll try and post a picture when i can. Any idea's?

 

[Turkey Creek]

Early stages of Fire Blight? A picture would be helpful. Otherwise look at the base and see if there is any borer damage or possibly gophers compromised the root system.

 

[chummer]

Borer is my guess. They got one of my trees last year exactly how you describe.

 

[H20fwler]

Could be a few things, I've got the same going on with a couple 5' potted Dunstan chestnuts that I wanted to plant this fall, on mine I think I over watered and might have started a little root rot.....I maybe loved them too much!

 

[woodduck]

I also lost a young apple tree to borers this year, same as you described. Like Turkey said check around the base (especially around the graft) for small holes and what appears to be saw dust laying on the ground.

 

[Sconnie]

I have 2nd Leaf Honey Crisp that were planted this spring. Many leaves were turning brown and with lots of tiny holes in them mid summer. Found out it was gophers digging around and eating the roots. Since then I have been leaving "bait" for them in the burrow openings and must have killed a few. Watch the stuff if you have dogs though! Trees have rebounded but the fight is still on. Also this summer I had a small "Wild" Crabapple from Nativ go MIA. Turns out a mole took the whole thing in to the tunnel and ate the parts. Darn vermin! Probe the ground around the trees and check for air space.