Fall Into Apple Tree Care: Safari Tree’s Guide to a Healthy Harvest

Apple trees are the pride of many Southeastern Michigan backyards — blooming with beauty in spring and bursting with flavor in late summer and fall. But as the cider mills open and the leaves start to turn, it’s time to shift gears: fall is your apple tree’s prep season for next year’s harvest. Fall becomes a critical time to protect your apple trees from pests and diseases that can impact next year's harvest. 

At Safari Tree, we know how much love goes into growing healthy apple trees — and how quickly pests and diseases like apple scab, fire blight, and cedar apple rust can undo all that hard work. So let’s dive, here's what to watch for to keep into the must-do fall care tips to keep your trees strong, disease-free, and thriving year-round.

1. Spot the Sneaky Fall Diseases

As the weather cools, fungal spores and bacteria start looking for cozy places to overwinter — like your apple trees. If you don’t act now, they’ll be back with a vengeance in spring.

Here’s what’s active in Southeast Michigan right now: 

 Apple Scab

• Signs: Dark, velvety spots on leaves or fruit; early leaf drop.
• Why it Matters: Weakens trees and ruins the quality of fruit.
• Fall Fix: Rake up and remove all the fallen leaves to stop fungal diseases like spores from spreading.
  
  

Cedar Apple Rust

• Signs: Orange or rust-colored spots on the leaves and fruit.
• Why it Matters: Spreads between apple trees and juniper trees, creating a recurring problem. 
• Fall Fix: Remove any fallen leaves, infected leaves, and fruit. Then prune out any branches that look sick to help stop disease from spreading. 

Photo credit: Cedar-apple rust symptoms on apple leaf. Photo by James Chatfield, Ohio State University, via Bugwood.org. Published by Michigan State University Extension.

 Fire Blight

• Signs: Look for shoots that appear burned or scorched — they’ll be blackened, wilted, and curled at the tips.
• Why it matters: Highly contagious and can kill young trees.
• Fall fix: Prune infected branches 8–12 inches below the damage and disinfect tools between cuts.

Safari Tree’s Tree Health Program targets these threats before they settle in for winter, reducing the risk of reinfection next spring.

Photo credit: Fire blight on apple shoot; note Shepard’s crook at shoot tip. Photo by A.L. Jones. Published by University of New Hampshire Extension.

2. Clean Up Like a Pro

Don’t underestimate the power of a good fall cleanup.

• Fallen leaves and rotting fruit are breeding ground for fungi and pests — especially for apple maggots, codling moths, and powdery mildew, which is currently active in the Southeast region.
• Rake and dispose of debris far from your yard. Skip composting unless you have a high-heat composting system.
• Remove any shriveled, “mummified” fruit still clinging to branches.

Safari Tree’s fall services include thorough yard inspections to make sure nothing nasty is left behind.

3. Feed Your Trees for the Future

Healthy trees are naturally more resistant to pests and disease. Fall fertilization is like a wellness shot before winter.

• Safari Tree’s deep root feeding delivers nutrients straight to the roots, helping trees recover from summer stress and prepare for cold weather.
• Potassium and phosphorus-rich blends promote strong roots and winter resilience.

With professional fertilization, your apple trees with be ready to burst into vigorous growth next spring.  

 4. Prune With Purpose

Fall pruning helps shape your tree, prepares your apple trees for better fruit next year, and stop disease in its tracks.

• Remove crossing or crowded branches to improve airflow.
• Cut out damaged or diseased wood to prevent any infection from spreading.
• Don’t overdo it — excessive pruning can trigger late-season growth that’s vulnerable to frost damage.

Bonus tip: wrap trunks to protect against rodents and frost damage, especially in cold snaps. 

Why Fall Matters

Apple tree diseases are way easier to prevent than to treat. By acting in September and October, you’re giving your trees a head start on a healthy, fruitful spring.

When you team up with Safari Tree, you get:

•  Targeted disease control
•  Custom fertilization plans
•  Peace of mind knowing your orchard is in expert hands

 Schedule Your Fall Apple Tree Care Today!

Don’t let pests and diseases spoil next year’s apple pie dreams. Schedule your fall inspection and treatment plan with Safari Tree today!

Call Or Text Us Now: 844-500-8733
Click Here To Book Online
Let’s keep your apple trees happy, healthy, and harvest-ready!