Columnar Apple Tree Tip Dieback: Fire Blight Suspected

The Symptom

A 2‑year‑old columnar apple has leaf wilt 8–10″ down on 3+ branches; tips brown, fold like umbrella. Flowers but no fruit.

Fire Blight Hallmarks

• Branch tips die, turn brown/black, curl (“shepherd’s crook”).
• Transition zone between dead and green wood.

Immediate Action

1. Find green‑to‑brown transition.
2. Cut 6–10″ into green wood.
3. Sanitize pruners with alcohol between cuts.
4. Burn or bag prunings.

Confirm

Google “fire blight images” for comparison.