Wilted Apple Trees

Site Suitability

• Selecting the proper site for the apple tree is crucial, and when wilt strikes a newly planted apple tree it's possible that there is something wrong with the location. Apple trees need full sun, as well as nutrients that penetrate at least 1-1/2 feet into the soil, to thrive. The soil should be well-drained, as standing in water can flood the tree and lead to wilting leaves. Streams also can create soil that is too wet, and low-lying areas can mean cold air is settling around the tree and causing damage. Setting the tree in an area where there is consistently cold winds will chill the tree. These conditions can result in a sickly, wilting tree.

Aphids

• Aphids are small insects that are attracted to apple trees and a number of other fruit-bearing trees. They have mouth parts that are designed for sucking the moisture and nutrients out of the meaty parts of trees. As the aphids rob the leaves of their nutrients, the leaves can wilt and begin to turn brown and die. Aphids often cause another problem called sooty mold, which develops from the honeydew secreted by the aphids. Aphids have many natural predators and also can be controlled by insecticides. There are a handful of aphid varieties that can be found on apple trees, such as the apple grain aphid, the green apple aphid and the spirea aphid.

Fireblight

• Fireblight is a bacterial disease to which many varieties of apple trees are susceptible. It most commonly is seen in popular varieties such as the Bareburn, Gala and Jonagold. The disease begins by developing cankers so small they can easily be overlooked. Within one to two weeks, the disease will spread into the leaves and blossoms. All the leaves on a branch or an entire cluster of flowers will wilt and die, shriveling as they turn brown. This typically spreads quickly throughout one area of the tree. Young branches that are small will wilt and curl. Whole limbs of the tree can become infected and should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the tree. Copper sprays also can be effective, and this usually can be controlled if managed quickly enough.

Phymatotrichum Root Rot

• Phymatotrichum root rot is a fungal disease that begins in the roots of the apple tree. One of the first signs that the fungus is present in the soil is the wilting of the tree's leaves. Unlike the damage caused by fireblight, the problem begins in the roots and impacts the entire tree equally, so the damage is more widespread. Leaves at first will appear wilted, then begin to turn brown and die but remain attached to the tree. In severe cases, spores may develop on the ground around the tree. Cutting back the tops of the trees and pruning, along with an application of sulfur and ammonium sulfate, can help balance the effects of a slight infection.