Old Apple Trees

We have recently moved to a new house with two quite old apple trees in the garden. I would guess that they are approx 50 years old. Although they had blossom, we didn't get any fruit, as after a very windy couple of days the flowers were blown off. What does concern me is that the leaves are somewhat wrinkly in appearence and there are patches of a cotton wool like substance in a few places on the bark. Could this mean there is a fungus problem, and if so, what should I do please?

Thanks.

 

First of all, old apple trees like this often do not fruitreally well, they are getting past their sell by date really. However, they are easy to look after as they should not really be pruned heavily. Any dead or dying branches may be removed in Autumn/Winter as should one of any branches which rub against each other.
The white fluffy stuff is almost certainly Woolly aphid or American blight same thing!. This is a sap sucking insect which covers itself with a 'wax' like substance as protection. It stops normal insecticides getting at the insect too. If there are only a few then, methylated spirits on a cotton bud will remove the wax and kill them. If there are a lo then a strong jet of water will wash them off, this laso kills them. Takre care not to damage the bark though.
In December/January according to the instructions, give the trees a Winter Oil wash. There are good organic ones on the market now.
If you do not mind nasty chemicals, then look for one which specifically mentions woolly aphids to use.
The wrinkly leaves could well be greenfly. Again either ignore them as we do or spray on a non-windy evening after any bees have gone.
Have fun!