Hi everyone,

I have a dwarf Granny Smith apple tree which has sentimental value to my family and I so we are really hoping to save it. Unfortunately recently it's looking worse for wear - as seen in the photos. I have been fertilising every now and then, and have just moved it into a slightly sunnier position. It has recently had some wholly aphids but I managed to remove these with white oil. The plants on top are only new (would not be the cause).

I am not an expert so putting to the group for any #advice? Any help would be appreciated before it is too late! 🙂

I think that it needs to be in the ground! I would get it away from the brick wall so it can get good, rich, quick draining soil and a few good soakings.
I think it has gone as far as it can inside of a pot!

That tree has a ton of problems, which I take are chiefly linked to inadquate growing conditions: while apple trees can be successfully container gown, they do require extra cares, and that's on top standard growing conditions such as as much direct sunlight as possible and well drained soil.
On top of that there's at least one fungal disease in full swing (Apple scab for sure and maybe something else).

I also see the tree has been "beheaded" for reasons unknown, hinting its health has long been less than optimal.

Personally I'd just dispose of that tree, get a new one and start from scratch.

The biggest problem I see with your little tree is a nutrient deficiency. That happens when iron (or another nutrient) is either missing or unavailable to plants. Chlorosis in apple trees can be caused by too alkaline soil (what is your water pH?), the soil is too wet or compacted, herbicide damage or other nutrient deficiencies.

When you say you fertilize once in awhile, what do you use and how much? When is the last time you repotted? The soil is very low in the pot. How wet is the soil? Does the pot drain poorly?

I don't see a problem with cutting the main leader out. It is an apple tree, the leader is always removed at some point. I don't see signs of apple scab either.

Your tree is fixable, we just need to fix out what the fix might be.

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your help!
The fertiliser I have been using has been 'Hortico All Purpose Soluble Fertiliser'. I use Seasol every now and then too.
The pot drains freely - water comes out the bottom and it doesn't feel particular wet when you feel into it.
I am not sure on that PH the soil is.
It was cut back due to moving approximately one year ago and I don't believe it has been repotted in years.
It was growing ok until perhaps 1.5 months ago when I was noticing the leaves were dying off.

Unfortunately I'm not able to plant it in the ground, but perhaps I should try re-potting with new soil?

Thanks again for everyone's assistance!

I can't find any nutrient values for Hortico All Purpose Soluble Fertiliser. What does the package say it contains?

Yes, I would seriously consider repotting it. Because of the shape of the pot, that may not be easy.

I would also put something under the edges of the pot to hold up above the little wheelie wagon its sitting on. Pieces of broken tile work great.