apple tree

ocarney1

Can anybody help with a small potted apple tree that is becoming shrivelled. Is it a pest or something else ?

BobTheGardener

Probably aphids inside the curled-up leaves.  You can just snip-off the worst affected ones and the tree will grow new ones.  Use the spray on the hose to clear-off any others you see, which will nearly always be on the newest leaves at the tips.  Hanging a bird feeder nearby may help as the birds will clear up aphids while they await their turn at the feeder.

ocarney1

Thank you kind sir I shall get pruning👍

BenTheBeginner

Some of those leaves look too far gone, take the worst off, and spray with an insecticide and the tree should recover, best of luck

Dovefromabove

Why spray with an insecticide if you’ve already removed the most affected ones @BenTheBeginner?
 

You’re surely not suggesting using a systemic insecticide on a food crop 😱

leaves with just a few aphids are easily dealt with between thumb and forefinger 

ocarney1

I've given it a drastic haircut and shall keep a close eye on it

Thanks all

BenTheBeginner

Dovefromabove said:

Why spray with an insecticide if you’ve already removed the most affected ones @BenTheBeginner?
 

You’re surely not suggesting using a systemic insecticide on a food crop 😱

leaves with just a few aphids are easily dealt with between thumb and forefinger 

Hi, sorry I assumed this tree is too young to fruit, my apologies, if you're planning to eat the fruit please don't. In my experience aphids have only been managed via insecticide, but aphids have never been numerous on my Apple Tree, again apologies