Shoots that suddenly wilt, blacken and bend at the tip can indicate fire blight, a bacterial disease of apples, pears and related plants.
What to look for
Flowers, shoots and branches may look scorched. Young shoot tips can form a characteristic shepherd's-crook shape. Other dieback can look similar, so inspect the pattern before pruning.
Pruning precautions
Diseased wood management and tool sanitation require care because pruning can spread pathogens when done incorrectly.