Apple
Malus domestica
Fruit TreeAbout Apple
The Apple tree is one of the most widely cultivated fruit trees in the world, with thousands of varieties bred for eating, cooking, and cider. It requires cross-pollination from a different variety to produce fruit. Apple trees reward careful pruning and pest management with abundant harvests.
Quick Facts
How to Identify Apple
- Simple, oval leaves with finely serrated margins and downy undersides
- White to pink five-petaled blossoms in spring
- Round fruit in various sizes and colors depending on cultivar
- Gray-brown, scaly bark that becomes fissured with age
- Spreading, rounded crown with somewhat irregular branching
Care Guide
- Prune annually in late winter to maintain an open center or central leader form
- Thin fruit in early summer to improve size and prevent biennial bearing
- Apply dormant oil spray in late winter to control overwintering pests
- Water deeply during dry spells, especially during fruit development
- Plant at least two compatible varieties for cross-pollination
Known Issues (7)
Spotted Lanternfly
MODERATEAn invasive planthopper native to China first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. While it primarily threatens agriculture (grapes, hops, fruit trees), it feeds on over 70 plant species. It excretes honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth.
Affecting 21 regions
Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth)
MODERATEAn invasive moth introduced to Massachusetts in 1869. Caterpillars defoliate hundreds of tree species, preferring oaks. Repeated defoliation weakens and can kill trees, especially when combined with drought stress.
Affecting 20 regions
Japanese Beetle
MODERATEAn invasive beetle introduced to New Jersey in 1916. Adults skeletonize leaves of over 300 plant species while larvae (grubs) damage turf grass roots. They are particularly damaging to linden, birch, and fruit trees.
Affecting 35 regions
Fire Blight
HIGHA bacterial disease that primarily affects members of the rose family, including apple and pear trees. It can destroy entire orchards in a single season. Bacteria spread rapidly during warm, wet spring weather through blossoms and wounds.
Affecting 32 regions
Cedar-Apple Rust
MODERATEA fungal disease requiring two hosts to complete its life cycle: eastern red cedar (juniper) and apple or crabapple trees. It causes economic losses in apple orchards and aesthetic damage to landscape cedars.
Affecting 34 regions
Apple Scab
MODERATEThe most economically important disease of apples worldwide. The fungus overwinters in fallen leaf litter and releases spores during spring rains. Severe infections reduce fruit quality and yield and can defoliate trees by mid-summer.
Affecting 26 regions
Phytophthora Root Rot
HIGHA group of water-mold diseases that attack the roots and root collar of many tree species. Phytophthora thrives in wet, poorly drained soils. It destroys fine roots and can girdle the trunk at the soil line. Affected trees show a general decline that is often misdiagnosed as drought stress. Oaks, dogwoods, rhododendrons, and many other species are susceptible.
Affecting 31 regions