Why it happens
Fire blight is caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora. It affects apples, pears, and related plants. Warm, wet weather around bloom helps the bacteria spread on fast-growing shoots.
What to check next
- Did symptoms appear soon after bloom or a warm rain?
- Is only the shoot tip affected, or are larger limbs involved?
- Are there cankers or oozing areas on older wood?
- Is the tree on a highly susceptible cultivar or rootstock?
When to get more help
Get eyes on the tree if dieback is moving into scaffold limbs, if the trunk is involved, or if you manage many susceptible trees and need a structured plan for the season.