Bugs and apple trees

[timorousbeastie]

Does anyone here happen to have experienced with apple trees? We have 5 in our backyard, all estimates to be ~125 years old, and they still produce surprisingly tasty apples. We’ve lived here through 3 summers so far. The first year we moved in mid summer, so did nothing with the trees; the apples were largely taken over by bugs. The second year we sprayed the trees with some spray the local garden store suggested in the spring, and almost no apples grew (but nothing grew on other trees in the neighborhood, either, like the black walnut trees or some type of berry tree we have, so maybe it was just an off year?). Last year we did nothing, and again the apples were very buggy.

From what I’ve seen online, some people say to spray the trees before any spring growth occurs, some say as soon as there are green buds on the tree, others say wait until the summer. Does anyone have experience with when is the best time to treat the trees? Or is there a better, more organic way of preventing bugs so we’d be able to eat more of the apples?

[nicolewi]

This is without any real expertise. However..I think when to spray depends on what kind of problem you are having. So...maybe someone could help you identify the bug issue and know when the best time is to spray for that? I also think, unfortunately, that it is really hard to grow organic apples without a LOT of effort. I really think for most home gardeners it would be worth spraying if you want to be able to eat apples. Apples are prone to so many issues.

We've had flowering CRABapple trees that get scab, and I know you are supposed to spray for THAT very early, just when growth emerges. But that's a fungal disease. For an insect problem, seems like you could spray later??? Maybe if you call a garden center again they could help you out.