Apple Scab

Symptoms

Apple scab causes apple and crabapple trees to drop their leaves early in the late spring and early summer. The leaves will have black and brown spots all over.

What Will Happen To My Landscape?

Apple scab will spread throughout the rest of the tree and other trees if left untreated, causing more leaves to fall off prematurely. Diseased leaves left in the landscape will promote this disease into next year’s leaves.

What Can I Do About Apple Scab?

Water trees deeply during dry spells to reduce stress. Every fall rake out and destroy diseased leaves that have fallen prematurely and fertilize to restore health due to leaf loss. A combination of cultural and chemical control is often required. Most local hardware stores carry fungicides that will control apple scab. Because these sprays can cause injury to some plants, read the label thoroughly before using and apply according to the directions. Depending on the severity of the damage, more than one fungicide application may be required for complete control. When combating apple scab its best to think of it as treating allergies, something that will never go away, but having fewer symptoms each year by having regular treatments. Combating apple scab can be a timely and unpleasant weekend task.

How Can Natural Way Help?

Prevention is the key in controlling apple scab. Here at Natural Way we have certified professionals who are used to preventing and controlling diseases like apple scab. Our Crab and Pine Protection Program will provide 3 critically timed sprays to your crabapple trees that will help control apple scab. We also recommend a fall trunk injection to help extend the life of your trees and minimize overall damage.

Apple scab will kill a plant over time if not treated. The plant or tree will become more susceptible to other problems and its appearance will be unsightly.