Cody Stiles wrote:

Hi,
I have an apple tree that produces apples but they fall to the ground
before ripening and seem to get worms even on the tree. Is there anything I
can do about this without hurting the lawn underneath it. I live in the
pacific northwest and it has been in the 80's and will probably stay that
hot for a couple weeks. the tree is at least 50 years old. Thank you for any
help you can give me.


Some natural fruit drop is to be expected - the tree is simply thinning out
fruit that it cannot support. If ALL the fruit is dropping, that is symptomatic
of more significant problems. Lawn right up to base of a fruit tree is not a
great idea. Lawns tend to hog nutrients and soil mositure and might be depriving
the tree of the conditions it needs to thrive, Also, to encourage consistant
production, apple trees should be pruned annually to remove excessive interior
branches which may be blocking needed sunlight and to develop new fruiting
spurs. Old spurs will gradually lose their productivity over time and need to be
replaced. Additional fertilizing may be necessary also if the tree has not been
maintained properly.

Despite several posts encouraging a regular spray program, a dormant season
spray to help control fungal problems and to smother overwintering insect eggs
is typically all that is recommended for home orchardists in the PNW. There is
no spray product available to the consumer for the control of apple maggots and
coddling moths - these insect pests need to be controlled by trapping. It is too
late in the season for this type of control now - traps should be initiated in
early spring just as the blossoms are starting to emerge and remain in place
through the season. It can sometimes take several seasons before you get very
complete control.

Finally, 50 years is a good lifetime for an apple tree - commercial orchardists
replace their trees after a much shorter period of time due to a natural decline
in productivity. You might just want to consider your tree simply a venerable
addition to your landscape and take whatever edible fruit it does produce as a
bonus. Plant a new, disease resistant and climate suitable apple cultivar for
serious fruit production.

pam - gardengal