How to fight Apple Scab this Spring
Was Your Tree Looking Spotty last year? You Might Have Apple Scab (And Here’s What to Do About It)
Your apple tree might not be trying to start a new trend—those spots could be a sign of apple scab, one of the most common (and annoying) fungal diseases for apple and crabapple trees.
The good news?
You can treat it, and the even better news? Canopy Climber Tree Care is here to help—with a Certified Arborist on the team and years of experience keeping Michigan trees healthy from root to tip.
So what Is Apple Scab?
Apple scab is caused by a fungus called Venturia inaequalis. It thrives in cool, wet spring weather (so... hello, Michigan). The fungus infects leaves, fruit, and sometimes twigs, making your once-proud tree look like it's having a very bad skin day.
Here’s What to Look For
- Dark, olive-green or brown spots on the leaves— often velvety or slightly sunken
- Premature leaf drop— the tree might look like it’s preparing for fall... in June
- Misshapen or cracked fruit— apples may have dark, scabby spots and might fall early
- Thin canopy by midsummer from all the leaf loss
In short:
If your tree is dropping leaves like it’s October or your apples look more like potatoes, it’s time to call in backup.
NOTE: You will want to ask yourself, “Did my tree show these signs LAST Summer? If you wait until your tree starts showing symptoms THIS year, it’s already too late for treatment. Preventative treatment is the name of the game with apple scab.
Why You Should Treat It
Besides the visual factor, repeated infection year after year weakens your tree. It puts your tree under stress, which makes it more vulnerable to other diseases, pests, and environmental issues. Left untreated, apple scab can significantly shorten the life of your tree—and no one wants that.
What You Can Do
If you suspect you had apple scab last year, the best thing to do is act early. Here’s how we approach it at Canopy Climber:
1. Schedule a free Appointment
We’ll send our Certified Arborist out to inspect your tree and confirm if apple scab is the issue (or if something else is going on—fungal diseases love to masquerade as one another).
2. Treatment Options
Depending on the severity, we may recommend:
- Fungicide sprays applied in early spring, just before and during bud break
- Injections, in some cases, to help boost the tree’s internal defenses
- A health care plan to improve the overall resilience of your tree for the following years
3. Prevention is key
- Think ahead- rake and dispose of fallen leaves in the fall (the fungus overwinters there)
- We may also recommend proper pruning to increase air flow and reduce moisture retention
Why Call a Professional?
Spraying your tree yourself might sound easy—until you’re halfway up a ladder with a leaking tank and a gust of wind in your face. (Trust us, we've seen it.)
Apple scab treatment works best with precise timing, the right products, and professional application methods that ensure your tree gets what it needs—without unnecessary chemicals or guesswork.
At Canopy Climber Tree Care, we know the science, the timing, and your trees. Plus, with a Certified Arborist on staff you’re getting expert care, tailored to your specific landscape.
Did you Notice spots or early leaf drop Last season?
We better take a look!
* a rough start date to spraying is May 1st (right before your buds turn green.) Unfortunately, if you wait until your tree starts showing symptoms THIS year, it’s already too late. Preventative treatment is the name of the game with apple scab.
Give us a call at 810-300-2387
or click [here] to fill out our form
and let’s get your appointment on the calendar while there’s still time—your apple tree will thank you!