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Is this apple tree salvageable?

deadendwaterfalldeadendwaterfall Posts: 70
in Problem solving
Assuming it doesn't subsequently snap completely, is there any hope for this apple tree? It was just fine yesterday, and even though it isn't a straight tree anyway, I saw it was at an odd angle this afternoon and discovered the damage you can see in the below picture. 

If I seal it up with some duct tape to prevent damp and pests causing rot, is there a chance this tree will recover from the damage and continue to grow further down the line (albeit at an odd angle) or is it time to pull this tree up? 

And if in extreme case scenario it did snap completely later in, could it start to grow again from the breakage point upwards? 



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Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    If that is the graft point, its a gonner.  I think I would start again, and make sure it has a strong stake at 45 degree angle.
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    No ‘ fraid not .
  • deadendwaterfalldeadendwaterfall Posts: 70
    fidgetbones said:
    If that is the graft point, its a gonner.  I think I would start again, and make sure it has a strong stake at 45 degree angle.
    Thank you, but how do I identify which is the graft point on apple trees? 
  • MikeOxgreenMikeOxgreen Posts: 812
    I wouldn't be asking, i'd be straightening, taping and splinting.

    I have a lot of land and trees, today I found an apple tree dried out, leaves going yellow. Did I ask some random on the internet? No, I got a few buckets of water and gave it those instead.
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    I still think it’s a gonner .
  • deadendwaterfalldeadendwaterfall Posts: 70
    Unfortunately I don't have a picture at present, but I'm pleased to report that the originally mentioned tree has since grown an extra few leaves and the existing ones that were there at the time of the damage have increased in size slightly instead of going brown. 
  • WaterbutWaterbut Posts: 344
    Mike that comment is unnecessary from someone who has 803 posts. I agree with your comment Songbird.
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    It depends on how much you love the tree. If you want to keep it, straighten it up, bandage the split as tightly as you can with any waterproof tape, duck tape etc., then strap a vertical splint to the trunk, reaching above and below the break, before putting in a stake at 45o.
    It will take a few years before the break heals. Keep an eye on the tape to make sure it does not constrict the bark. Remove it every couple of years and replace with fresh if the break has not sealed completely.
    I saved a witch hazel using this method after a neighbours tree fell across it.
    Be patient.You can of course write the tree off, dig it out and plant a new tree.

    If you look at the stem of the tree, near soil level, you will see a bump or swelling which is where the fruiting stock has been grafted onto a growth stock. This is done to give the fruiting stock more vigour or to make the tree dwarf size.
    deadendwaterfall said:
    Thank you, but how do I identify which is the graft point on apple trees? 

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    The graft point is usually a raised area near the bottom of the trunk.


    Trees that are " top worked" with more than one variety will have the graft higher up.  This is used for "family" trees with several varieties on one main stem.

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