My crabapple trees suffered fireblight damage last summer. When and how should I prune it out?
The best time is late winter, before new growth starts. Cut back the affected branch to a point 9 inches below the onset of the damage. Use a sharp saw or pruning shears and be sure to sterilize the blades between cuts, using a spray bottle containing either rubbing alcohol or diluted bleach (1 to 4) in water. Alcohol is preferred since the bleach tends to corrode the blades. Do not use pruning paint and do not compost the clippings.
