Apple And Peach Tree Turns Black And Stays On Trees

Question From: Friendly, West Virginia, United States
Q: Hello! Our apple tree and peach tree have the same problem. The fruit starts growing fine, then rots on the vine. Turns black, stays on the trees? Any ideas? Hubby wants to get new trees and I am afraid if they are near (or he says cut down the tree and plant another) the diseased trees, the new ones will be diseased also? Thank You! Pat

A: Pat, your trees have a fungal disease known as brown rot. If you clean up all the dead fruit and other plant debris there should not be a problem. I would check with your county horticultural agent to see what varieties grown in your area are disease resistant. Happy Yardening, Nancy