Apple scab

I have a bad case of apple scab (after a bit of googling I have just discovered that's what it is). It has affected about two thirds of the fruit and a lot of the leaves have dropped. I am not too worried about the fruit this season I have enough for my purposes. Do I need to worry about this - will it damage the tree? What can I do to prevent it next year?

Many thanks

EGW x

 

Start spraying the tree just after blossom fall (when the apples are tiny babies and the bees have done their job) with Copper sulphate (Bordeaux mixture is much the same) every 10 days or so, until just before picking.
If you do not mind chemical warfare then the usual spray is one called Dithane (still available I think). Use that according to the info on the packet.
Try to collect up all the fallen apples and leaves and compost them.

 

Thanks very much -I'll have to invest in some, hopefully we'll have some better weather and that will help!

EGW