If the leaves of the apple tree have holes, animal pests have almost always spread. We show you how you can successfully combat uninvited guests and how you can strengthen the fruit tree through appropriate care measures.
Why do the leaves of the apple tree have holes?
Mostly these arefeeding marks from harmful insects. In the case of apple trees, these can be the apple peel moth, the apple bug or the frost moth. However, all of these insects can be combated quite easily using ecologically compatible means.
What do the holes in the leaves of the apple tree look like?
Depending on which pesthas settled, thedamage can look quite different. There are more or less large holes in the leaves, semicircular notches on the edges of the leaves or scrape damage on the top and bottom. In extreme cases, only the ribs remain of the leaf after a few days.
What damage does the apple peel moth cause?
The codling moth Cydia pomonella, which is widespread throughout Europefeeds on the leavesand also disdains theshootsandfruitsof the apple tree not.
The harmful image:
- Window corrosion in the leaves,
- shoot tips spun together,
- nibbled apples.
The feeding damage to the leaves does not cause lasting damage to the apple tree. However, the moth's caterpillars cause crop failures because the worm-eaten apples rot quickly and are not very appetizing.
To prevent this pest, it is recommended to introduce natural enemies such as parasitic wasps, caterpillar flies and birds in the garden.
What does the apple bug damage look like?
The sucking activity of the apple bug causes the leaves to developcountless, torn-looking holes and brown spots. The green crawlers, which are up to seven millimeters long, suck on the fresh leaves of the apple tree in April and May.
Infestation is not a problem in the home garden in most years. If the animals multiply heavily, it is sufficient to collect and destroy them.
Do frost moths eat holes in the leaves of the apple tree?
If you discoverfeeding holes in the leaves shortly after the leaves emerge, the frost moth is often responsible for this. Check the foliage of the apple tree carefully and find either the light green caterpillars of the small frost moth or the brown patterned caterpillars of the large frost moth.
Infestation can be prevented by tightly fitting glue rings (€7.00 on Amazon) installed in September. Renew these regularly as birds would eat the attached insects in winter. However, the sticky mass of the green rings can clog the animals' beaks and throats.
Tip
Fighting pests in an ecologically friendly way
There are also insecticides approved for home gardens that reliably destroy the pests mentioned. However, application is often difficult because the entire apple tree would have to be sprayed right down to the inside of the crown. Therefore, rely on strengthening the trees with herbal products and balanced fertilization. Also ensure that many beneficial insects settle by providing enough nesting and hiding places.
