You should also wait until after your trees have stopped producing fruit before applying mulch. In order for mulching to work effectively, you will need to make sure that the mulch is at least 6 inches deep and applied in the fall. Mulching is a good way to control fire blight on apple trees. Apply the fungicide according to product instructions, paying particular attention to the time between application and rain (rainfall should occur no sooner than 8 hours after application). Copper is toxic to fire blight bacteria, but it has been shown to have no negative effects on beneficial insects or humans. If possible, leave about 2 feet between cuts to promote air circulation around your apple tree and prevent further infection from spreading throughout its roots Controlling Fire Blight – TreatmentĪpply a copper-based fungicide to the trunk and branches of trees during late winter and early spring. If a branch is still alive but has been infected by fire blight, cut it back so that it’s about 4 inches long above an uninfected area on the tree trunk. You can do this by cutting them off at their base with a sharp knife or lopper. Make sure you prune out rotted parts of the tree first, then cut back healthy branches as well. For dwarf and semidwarf trees, remove only one-third of its branches for standard trees, remove one-half. The most effective way to control fire blight is by pruning your apple trees in the late winter or early spring.
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Cankers on branches and trunks of the tree.Reddish-brown spots on leaves, stems, and flowers.Fire blight can be identified by the following symptoms: