Hi Tbrady and welcome to GoY. How log have you had the apple trees, are they in containers or the ground and are they kept well watered if young trees?

They are about 2 years old and the same thing happened last year. They are kept in containers, two large pots and are kept fairly well watered.

I would suggest that the trees need to be in larger containers and kept better watered. If they come into leaf and the leaves then go brown and drop off it indicates that the tree is stressed.

Thank you for your suggestions but up until 2 weeks ago they both looked very healthy. They are in very large pots and regularly watered so I am leaning more towards a disease or pest of some kind. Thank you again for your help. Tim

Can you add a photo to the question Tim that would help. Also, remember it was a cool wet spring in most parts of the country now it is hot and dry. I still think it is under watering.

Just added two photos. They were watered last night.

Well the trees are definitely stressed and this is what is causing them to lose their leaves. Currently you have both the containers sitting directly on the paving slabs so little or no natural drainage can occur. Raise them up on feet so that air can get under the container and any excess wter can drain away. What sort of soil/compost did you plant them in and have you fed at all?

Well I think I used fairly standard Homebase compost as recommended on the label n the trees. I have watered them with Miracle Gro twice but I will certainly take your advice and lift them up. I guess we have lost for this year though. Thank you for your advice

You're welcome