Apple tree, brown patches on leaves?
 

Hi, I have a very young apple tree, planted this spring and only 5ft
tall. I've just noticed some flat brown patches on some of the
leaves, and wonder whether you knowledgeable folk could tell me what
it is? Is it some kind of fungus I can spray against?

I'm worried it may be some horrible disease that I need to "nip in the
bud". The tree is otherwise thriving - I've kept it reasonably
watered throughout the dry spell here in Hants.

Thank you.
Barb

It's quite possibly a mineral deficiency. Don't leap to spray it or apply fertiliser until you know exactly what it is.

As to watering - you no doubt know this but others may not be aware - you need something like a full 2 gallon watering can every week - heavy watering once a week is better than light watering more frequently, which can entice the roots to run along just under the surface.

Apple tree, brown patches on leaves?
 

Barb wrote in
news:13eae73e-ac90-4dd6-a8c7-
:

Hi, I have a very young apple tree, planted this
spring and only 5ft
tall. I've just noticed some flat brown patches on
some of the
leaves, and wonder whether you knowledgeable folk
could tell me what
it is?
Barb

"Check for Apple & Pear Scab: Scab is the most common
apple & pear affliction and is especially likely in
western areas of the country. You can easily see it on
the leaves as small round brown patches - these will
spread to the fruit if untreated. If your plants are
affected, you need to begin spraying (with Bayern
Rose?) as soon as the leaf buds burst and carry on,
according to the instructions until late July (not
during flowering, of course). If you are organic, use
a copper fungicide such as Bordeaux Mixture. If not,
use a recommended systemic fungicide for fruit trees.
Scab is not really a problem for domestic fruit
growing where blemishes are tolerated but is
disastrous for commercial growers."
Hope this helps, Davy