Hi, my apple trees (2) got a rust disease this year. Should I dig them out or are they able to be brought back to healthy without using poisonous sprays? Thanks.

Hi Phyllis, there are things that can be done for your apple trees before taking drastic measures such as removing them. Unfortunately, some varieties are more susceptible to disease than others. Collect up all of the fallen leaves and don't leave them on the ground to rot down into the soil, the fungus can live in the soil and will come back next season when conditions are favourable, also, don't compost the leaves as this will help the disease spread, throw them in the rubbish or burn them. Make sure your tree is fertilised in spring and again in late summer with an all purpose fertiliser such as Tui General Garden fertiliser or Tui Novatec. Regular watering throughout the growing season is important, and mulching around the tree will help conserve soil moisture in the summer months and keep your trees actively growing. Make sure there is good air circulation around your tree, thin out internal branches in summer, and open up the tree. These are the key things to preventing disease. There are sulphur based natural sprays available that you can spray on your tree so you don't have to apply chemicals. Ask at your local garden centre for a suitable control. Lianne.