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The cause of the splits is invariably irregular watering. When the tree suddenly gets a hefty drink following a period of drought, the apples quickly expand, which often leads to the skin cracking. The fruit usually produces a corky, scab

A notifiable bacterial disease of the rose family, although it may also affect apple and pear trees.

Apple sooty blotch is caused by an overwintering fungus, which is typically found on trees or branches growing in shade and damp. It creates a splatter of dark, sooty spots all over the skin of the fruit, although the flesh isn't affected at all

A disease affecting apple, plum and pear trees, in which the blossom trusses wilt and turn brown. Occurs more commonly in mild, wet springs.

Summer prune apple trees To give yourself the biggest apple crops from established trees, it's time to tackle summer pruning of spur-fruiting varieties. This encourages the development of short flowering shoots or 'spurs' that go on to bear clusters

be affected. The spores are transmitted three ways: via insects, when infected fruit touches other fruits, and by wind and rain.Tree fruit becomes inedible and rather unsightly when a small brown spot gradually encompasses the whole apple, pear or plum

enjoyed it. They're juicier than ever.My first apples to ripen are 'Ellison's Orange' in mid-September, and this is one variety that really must be eaten straight from the tree. When you do the apples are crisp and juicy, but sadly they don't stay in good

on growing fruit treesHow to summer prune apple trees.Monty video demonstration on planting a fig treeHow to plant a small tree Choose fruit varieties to grow in your gardenBrowse our collection of deciduous trees

White, waxy, sap-feeding aphids colonise cracks, crevices and pruning cuts on the bark of apple trees in the second half of spring. They then spread to new growth and create soft swellings. If the bulges split open in frosty weather, infections

've no idea what variety the apple tree is. It was in the garden when we arrived at our house, 12 years ago, the legacy of a previous owner, whose only other contributions to horticultural delight were chain-link fences and concrete.I do, however, use