I use wire fencing to keep critters away from certain plants. I collect throwaway rolls of wire fencing with a 2 x 4 inch grid. I like it a little rusty, because it's nearly invisible in the garden. I cut pieces, usually about 2 feet high, and encircle the plants to keep out critters like woodchucks. Woodchucks can dig under and climb over a fence that high, except that I cut the fencing so that pokey wire ends stick out of the top and bottom. They are very sharp, so nothing has tried to climb over it. I have to watch out not to skewer myself in the garden, and it's probably not the best method to use if you have little children running around. Maybe something like that would work around your apple tree?

Trees in your yard are there for your enjoyment. If you don't want it there any longer, get rid of it. It's possible I have an issue with cutting down trees. I live in the suburbs, and an entire orchard (apples) was cut down to make room for boring production homes. I feel a sense of obligation to restore some of the beauty that was taken away. I know, it's a little ridiculous (my entire family thinks I'm a little nuts). My neighbors planted dwarf apple trees (different variety, though) the same summer as us, and have been getting apples for 2 years. So I think our tree may have a problem that prevents it from production. I will post in the fruit and orchard forum though, thanks. heather

I have seen crabapples live for many years "looking ratty" with scab. I am one of those people that would cut it down and replant a resistant tree rather than messing with the annual detailed cleanup and spraying. If you do spray, it takes three applications per spring starting at blossom and being repeated at 7-10 day intervals. I've heard of neem oil being used for anthracnose and rust, but I'm not sure about scab. Maybe someone else can give an opinion on that. hortster

Plant any time this fall.