Apple tree fungus

One of our apple trees has a white fungus on the underside of the branches, last year we had the same and the fruit was all scabby and useless, what have we not done? and are there any suggestions on how to cure?

It sounds as though you have two diseases:

Apple scab which you can spray for, though I took out the trees in our orchard which were most prone to it.

and the 'fungus' - are you sure that it is not just lichen on the branches? if not, can you cut out the fungussy branches?

This sounds like an old neglected tree which would be better put out of its misery.  However if you are determined to keep it clear all grass and weeds in an area about three feet round the trunk and after we have had some rain give it a feed and a thick mulch.  I don't think you will get a decent crop this year, but maybe, just maybe you will get some edible fruit next year.

Gillie

I have a young Bramley.  Last year it had a white fungus on the lower part of the trunk.  I painted the affected area with Stockholm tar several times during the summer and it appeared to clear it up.  I have to say the half dozen apples it produced were unaffected.

thanks for comments, I have now consulted the oracle - looked in the books that know all - and it appears as if we have woolly aphids I have a couple of piccies of the offending item but don't know if they can be posted (suggestions?) If the little beasties are woolly aphids they how can we expel them?
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