I have two small apple trees (one about six inches tall, the other about ten inches) that recently had a powdery mildew problem that I got under control. The bigger tree is doing fine and is putting out new leaves all the time, but the other one was smaller and more affected by the mildew. Its most upper (biggest) leaves are deformed and it hasn't put out any new growth for a couple weeks now. I'm new to taking care of apple trees and I'm not sure what I should do. Any help would be appreciated. Should I just wait and watch? It seems to be fine otherwise. It's just not growing. Thank you so much!
Hi Lindsay,
Welcome to the forum. I'm sure some of the other regulars will have some suggestions, but I'll start by asking how you addressed the powdery mildew problem? Did you use a commercial product/spray? If so, which one? Given how late in the season it is - I wouldn't expect to see much, if any new growth so waiting until spring when new growth begins might be your only option. My apple trees are in the process of losing their leaves and going dormant now.
I've had small apple seedling trees (in pots) get powdery mildew in the past and if I recall correctly I treated them with a very diluted neem oil solution. Note: use caution with neem as too strong of a mixture can burn the leaves, and even kill the tree (I speak from experience). It also should be used during cool/shady conditions (morning or evening, not warm/sunny weather). There are other off-the shelf or homemade products that address powdery mildew besides neem oil. If untreated, it is likely that the powdery mildew will overwinter on the dropped leaves/limbs/bark and reappear next spring. I know that mine did.
Hope this helps.
Dan
Idyllwild
jafar
Marsha H
Viron
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