Apple tree problem or not
PJL
Posts: 11
in Fruit & veg
I have an Apple and Plum tree that I planted just over a year ago and both are looking healthy and growing well with a good crop of plumbs coming through but no show of any fruit from my apple tree as of yet. Over the last few weeks I have noticed that an army of black ants are marching up and down the tree branches right to the very tips of the branch, I have had no blossom form on my apple tree this year either so are these ant slowly destroying my tree are do they pose no threat.
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Ants themselves don't harm apples trees, but they farm aphids which do cause damage. If you look at the leaves on the branch tips, you will doubtless find aphids which the ants have carried there. As aphids suck the sap they produce honeydew as a waste product and the ants eat this.
To prevent ants from climbing the tree, try putting a thick wide band of vaseline around the trunk and cut down any tall nearby plants which touch the tree branches and would allow the ants to find another route up the tree.
You shouldn't allow apples to produce fruit for the first 2 or 3 years anyway so that they can establish a good root system first, so lack of apples on your year old tree is actually a Good Thing.
I really appreciate your quick response to my troubling question and must admit that what you have said is very fascinating because when watering in and around the apple tree I always look under the leaves at the tips and sure enough there were aphids, ants ain’t as silly as they look are they. A real big thank you Bob The Gardener for answering my question.
I have a victoria plum tree that didn't flower this year - probably due to the very cold spring. My apple trees are loaded this year.
i have two apple trees that i planted in pots two yeas ago now the leaves on both are covered with drown spots also they are going yellow and droping off spease help
still no reply on my apple trees problem
If there was no blossom it's wont fruit as the blossom goes on to form the fruit. if it's not happened by now it wont untill next year. Did you give any fertilizer, i find Q4 a few times year works well for me.
Vleta it could be pot bound after 2 years it might be ready for an upgrade.