Apple tree has fire blight

Hello,

We have an inherited old apple tree (unsure of type) which has fire blight. I think this is the american name, not sure of the English name. We asked at our local garden centre but they did not seem very sure of what they were talking about. Can anyone advise me on what I should do to treat it. It has already taken over a large portion of the tree. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

With Thanks

 

Hi Nicky,

Unfortunately fireblight (bacterium: Erwinia amylovora) is a nasty disease that can kill flowers, leaves, twigs, stems and even the whole tree. It is an incurable disease but the infection can be managed in the hope of containing it and not letting it spread. Treatment involves removing affected branches back to decent growth points. You will need to disinfect your saw blade/pruning secateurs with diluted Jeyes fluid or meths between each cut so as not to spread the infection.

Hope this helps,
Matthew