Troubleshooting
Apple problems — and how to fix them
Apple (Malus domestica) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis)
Dark, corky scabs on fruit skin and olive-brown spots on leaves, causing early defoliation. Choose resistant cultivars (e.g. 'Redfree', 'Topaz', 'Herefordshire Russet'); rake and destroy fallen leaves; apply copper-based fungicide at pink-bud stage if needed.
Codling moth
Larval tunnelling into the fruit core results in 'maggoty' apples at harvest. Hang pheromone traps in late May to monitor; apply a compatible insecticide at egg-hatch or use codling moth granulosis virus for organic control.
Biennial bearing
Heavy cropping one year followed by little or no fruit the next is common in some cultivars and after stress events. Thin fruitlets to 1-2 per cluster in June to reduce exhaustion and encourage annual cropping.
Prevent apple problems before they start
Most apple issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for apple in general rather than its problems? Read the full apple care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Apple problems — FAQ
Why is my apple apple scab (venturia inaequalis)?
Dark, corky scabs on fruit skin and olive-brown spots on leaves, causing early defoliation. Choose resistant cultivars (e.g. 'Redfree', 'Topaz', 'Herefordshire Russet'); rake and destroy fallen leaves; apply copper-based fungicide at pink-bud stage if needed.
Why is my apple codling moth?
Larval tunnelling into the fruit core results in 'maggoty' apples at harvest. Hang pheromone traps in late May to monitor; apply a compatible insecticide at egg-hatch or use codling moth granulosis virus for organic control.
Why is my apple biennial bearing?
Heavy cropping one year followed by little or no fruit the next is common in some cultivars and after stress events. Thin fruitlets to 1-2 per cluster in June to reduce exhaustion and encourage annual cropping.