Apple tree fungus and growth problems

[robinson82]

Hi we moved into a new house no too long ago and the house has two apple trees in the garden.

One of the apple trees appears to be doing fine but the other isn't doing so well.

The leaves are sparse on the branches and some the leaves are small and brown - I've attached some images.

One of the trees produces a massive amount of apples but the other, along with the brown sparse leaves has a large amount of fungus and produces no apples and very little greenery.

Does anyone know why this would be.

[fishpond]

You need to wait for someone that knows what they are talking about.
But, in the meantime a little more information might be a good idea--
How big are they--tall and wide?
How far apart are they?
Do you know what varieties?
Where abouts are you situated?
What is the ground like in the surrounding area?
What is the ground like beneath the trees?
Is there any undergrowth beneath?
Have you looked up what the fungus might be and what is the likely cause?
Are they in full sun or ?
Etc
Hope this helps.
looking at the photo is it going to be worth trying to save it, not a nice decision but one that imo needs to be made. (you could always try grafting and planting in another part of the garden).

[scarey55]

Hello Robinson82 and welcome to the Vine I'm afraid that I can't help with your problem but we do have a couple of fruit tree experts and I'm sure that one of them will be along very soon.

[FB.]

To have an apple tree with leaves a this time of year, I'm guessing you're not from the UK.

It sounds like the tree (or at least large parts of the tree) is coming to the end of its life - having been neglected and not pruned correctly for many years. But just because it is old and sick doesn't mean it doesn't have a chance to be brought back to life.

The fungus is probably just feeding on areas of dead wood in the branches, but there appear to be live parts too and if given some assistance (good care, balanced feeding and not subjected to drought stress) the plant may be able to wall-off the fungus-damaged areas.
It might be possible to regenerate it with some skilled pruning - but only when it is dormant. Never prune an old, sick tree when it has leaves on - unless you want to kill it!
Even those old fungus-infected branches still have some leaves on them which are gathering sunlight and producing sugars which feed the roots - and you'll need all the power in the roots if you want to try to regenerate the tree.

I would definitely look into trying to regenerate it with the correct and careful pruning techniques after the leaves fall. This year I would also feed it lightly several times with a balanced fertiliser, compost or manure to help it rebuild some strength which it will store in the roots for the winter and it can use next year after the careful winter regeneration pruning.
Don't over-feed it though, and don't put compost, manure or other mulches in direct contact with the trunk or the trunk might rot. I prefer composts and manures to synthetic fertiliser because they contain micro-nutrients not present in manufactured products and they 'feed the soil' which boosts the 'friendly fungi' and 'friendly bacteria' which work in a symbiotic relationship with the roots of the tree (often known as mycorrhyzal fungi).

I would not worry about the brown leaves; they are of only minor concern. It might be scab, or possibly drought stress or 'fertiliser scorch' if it has been over-fed.

[fishpond]

Pretty well what I said

[boundtothesoil]

I'd take a far more ruthless approach, cut the infected tree down, burn out as much of the stump as possible, then replant, maybe with a plum or pear tree.