For those with a number of apple trees

[nickdub]

Obviously its the time of year when a lot of keeping apples are ready for picking, so I've been having a look over my trees.

Just thought I'd mention to others to keep a look out for moldy/rotten apples as well. Usually these fruits fall off on their own, but if you're unlucky they can catch in the branches of your tree, if this happens and you don't remove the fruit it can spread disease in through the bark which may kill the branch. Also occasionally a fruit will rot, but hang on the tree, and if these are left on then the fruit spur may be killed.

So get ready to harvest your good apples, but keep an eye open for bad ones too.

[Nicos]

Thanks for the reminder!
I actually spotted a couple thus very morning in one of my espaliers just wedged between a couple of smaller branches!

[nickdub]

You're very welcome - its often little problems like that which can be dealt with easily when done in time, but which can lead to serious damage if not noticed.