Canker (apple tree)

The Bald Gardener

I have an apple tree in the garden, research leads me to believe it is probably a Stobo Castle variety. It is blighted with pretty bad canker, particularly where the main branches lead off the trunk, although when I inherited the tree it was carrying a heck of a lot of fruit. It has blossomed well this Spring too. 

Is it possible for the tree to carry on  productively for a good few years or will the canker kill it off do you think? I'm hoping to get a few tarts and crumbles from it. 

As ever, thanks for any advice. 

pansyface

As the lesions ring the branches they will cut off the supply of sap.

I have lost two young trees in the last year to canker. I tried everything but it just popped up in a different place.

Enjoy your apples this year.

The Bald Gardener

Thanks @pansyface When it does succumb, will I be able to plant another tree in that area do you think? Or is it the soil that is responsible for the canker?   

I'd have preferred a smaller tree, probably an Acer (I like them), but I didn't want to chop this one down unless I had to. Guess I'll just wait and see if it gives up the ghost. 

pansyface

I have a horrible feeling that it will linger.