Very old Apple tree!

[Sarah]

My mother has a large Apple tree in her garden which is over a hundred years old. This year it blossomed, but now the blossom is dying and falling off, the leaves are also dying. At the moment, half the leaves are brown (and curled in) half still green. My father thinks the tree is dying naturally of old age. Could this be the case? Or could it be diseased, therefore sprayed and saved?! Your help greatly appreciated.

[pruninggal]

It could be that your apple tree is getting old. Fruit trees do have their life span. However, I'd get the opinion of a certified licensed arborist (opinons are usually free) who can tell you more about what the problem is and if you can get more years out of it. I wouldn't spray it until you really know if it will help. In the meantime, start a new tree so you'll have a possible replacement if necessary...

Good luck!
Pruninggal

[Sarah]

Ok will pass on advice to parents! Many thanks.

This year, I got a few curled leaves on my young apple trees. Aphids.

Not bad enough to spray.

That's one of a few things to look for.