Planting a new apple tree where a diseased one was before

JeffMiller

I recently removed an apple tree which was diseased and had stopped producing as much fruit as previous years. I dug out the rootball however a few of the roots may still be in the soil but the majority were taken out as well.

I would now like to plant a new apple tree in the same spot, will this new tree be affected by the previous disease from the soil or the other remaining roots as it is only a couple of weeks since removing the old one?

Thanks

Jeff

tippben · Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 9:37 pm Post subject:

Don't plant another apple tree in the same spot. Choose something from a different genus; Prunus (cherries & plums), Pyrus (pears), or even a mulberry or medlar. You don't say what disease your tree was affected with, but it's probable that your young immunodeficient sapling will succumb to any spores or viruses in the surrounding soil. Also, the nutrients and trace elements that the apple was using will be depleted. Other trees have subtly different requirements, so you will have better success.

If you can bear to wait a year, dig in loads of organic matter (pure wood ashes are good too- no peat or coal) and wait for the site to rot any residual roots. Any nasties like honey fungus should fruit, as there is no tree to eat anymore, and can be identified if present.

In the meantime, find another tree you like the sound of. Buy it in a container, pot on into a pot a couple of inches larger in all dimensions, and grow on like that for one year. Plant your tree next Nov/Dec, and enjoy.

JeffMiller · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 10:36 pm Post subject:

Thanks tippben,

Much appreciated..that's been a great help

michael brenock · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 11:07 am Post subject:

some questions need to be answered before you decide where to plant the replacement apple tree. How old was the apple tree and how long was it planted or growing there? What did the tree die from, a root disease or a stem disease like canker? is the soil suitable for growing apple trees? Is the soil too wet or too dry or poorly drained? What treatment was given to the tree before it died or was dug out? Is the soil rich or poor? What else is growing nearby and is growth good or bad? If the tree was growing there for more than 10 years then a new tree should not be planted there as it will pick up "replant diseases". The soil for apple trees should have a low Nitrogen /High Potash ratio. What were the symptoms on the tree before it died.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)