Can I use a Profusion crabapple to pollinate my Golden Delicious apple tree?
Several years ago we had to cut down (to the stump) a our 15 yr old spring Spring Snow (only to the stump level with the ground). The following summer we saw many root branches growing from behind the stump. Because we planted this tree in honor of the birth of our 1st child, we are sentimental about it. Since the leaves looked healthy, we decided to tie 6 of the thicker branches together and just waited it out. 10 yrs later those branches are a strong healthy 30 ft tree but what is really amazing is that 5 years ago it stopped producing white flowers in the spring and began producing white/pink flowers that grow into an abundance of delicious wild (cooking?) apples! Can you share if this has happened before to other Spring Snow crabapple trees?
Your tree most likely was a grafted tree. When you cut it back the original root stock began growing and this is the tree you now have.
Your tree looks amazingly healthy and looks like your enjoying a wonderful crop of apples. Enjoy!
Thank you for sharing the story behind your tree.
I noticed some sawdust at the base of the tree. Upon looking closer, I found an area of rotting trunk with evidence of ant tunnels in the rotting area. Can I plug this cavity to help keep tree healthy and what can I use to fill this hole? The tree is approx. 30 years old.
It is not recommended to fill the hole in the tree trunk.
Ants can sometimes be an indication of a insect issue. The insects produce Honeydew.
You can treat the tree with Neem Oil as it acts as both an insecticide and fungicide.
Here is a few links for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/patching-tree-hole.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-honeydew.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
We have what appears to be tree shoots or tree suckers throughout our yard. Every week we mow them down but they don't die and seem to be everywhere. Is there a product we can use to kill the shoots, but not the trees? The trees in our yard are crab apple, pin oak and a maple.
Single stem young saplings can simply be cut off at ground level and they will die. More established saplings that have already branched will need to be cut off and their cuts painted with Roundup to prevent them from regrowing. This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/weed-identification-control/weed-trees.htm
25 year old tree with 1/4" holes encircling trunk and all large branches. Tree is under stress with multiple dead smaller branches, although it did flower profusely and is loaded with 1/4" apples. I have more pics if that would help. Thanks, Ron
We did not receive any images.
With the description I thinks this may be the damage of a Sapsucker, a member of the woodpecker family. Found in WI.
They drill holes 1/4 inch in diameter and very uniform rows.
They then feed on the sap and the insects that are attracted to the sap.
It usually is not serious, but they can girdle a tree and cause the trees death.
You can attach a piece of burlap to the tree to cover the holes and deter the birds.
If it is insect damage, the appearance would be much more random. This would be a borer insect and this also can be a serious issue for the tree. You may find saw dust material at the base of the tree in the case of borers.
If you feel this is insect damage you may want to contact an arborist to inspect the tree.
Your local country extension office can help you find a local professional.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/what-is-tree-sap.htm
I ordered three bareroot crabapple trees. They are VERY small. Should I plant them in a container until they get bigger...then plant in ground next spring? Also, I am planting them in an area that I have tried four times to plant a tree without success. Is there a pH level crabapples prefer? (It is full sun, and being in Louisiana, it can get really hot and humid). Last, can I plant all three crabapples close together? THANK YOU!
In a proper planting area you should be able to plant out the bare roots now.
You may want to cage them and flag them so that they are not harmed by accident!
Regardless of soil type, it is crucial to have well draining soil.
The ph should be slightly acidic at 5.0 to 6.5
Here is a link to help refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crabapple/flowering-crabapple-trees.htm
How would I know of if our crab tree is dead? We moved to our house in 2011 and the tree is already there. A year ago the tree was badly hurt by winter and some of the branches broke, so last year we had to ask someone to cut some of the branches that were broken. Since then it hasn't grown any leaves at all. Everyone in our neighborhood says maybe it's dead already.
This article discusses how to tell if a tree is dying (I would probably follow the article recommendation to contact an arborist):
There are some things you can try on your own, however, to determine tree health. You can conduct a scratch test on the tree. Scrape off or chisel a portion of the bark on the trunk. Look for green, soft wood just beneath the bark layer. If it is not, it could be dead. Also, try breaking off a few small branches or twigs. Do they break easy with brown inside or are they soft/pliable with green wood inside?