Not for lack of trying, grass growth under our apple tree dies off every year no matter how much top dressing you perform or heavy constant watering , overseeding, etc. Could it be the acidic soil from the fruit? The tree adds a beautiful touch to its corner of the yard, I'm afraid it may get the old George Washington soon in lieu of grass. Any suggestions on remedying this problem?
Grass is very difficult to grow under any tree, but there are a few things you can do. First, have the tree's branches thinned out. This will improve the light that makes it to below the tree; and for an apple, it makes for better fruit anyway. Next, have the soil tested and treat it for whatever the test recommends. Third, make sure that the area is getting adequate water. Trees drink a huge amount of water and in order for the grass to grow, you will need supplemental water under the tree.
I am growing apple trees from seeds. The trees are now 4 feet high with no branches. When will they start to branch, or what do I do to get them to branch?
They should branch on their own here in the next year or so. You can force them to branch now by nipping the top, but I would not recommend that as this will result in a tree that looks more like a shrub than a tree.
I have two beautiful apple trees. They are about 3 years old. Rabbits have eaten off the bark of both trees (100% around the tree for about 3 feet). Can the trees be salvaged?
Unfortunately, it is unlikely the trees can be saved if they have been that severely girdled. If you are very attached to these trees, I would call a local arborist to look at them and they may be able to help.
I recently bought two-year-old apple trees and want to train them as an espalier. The lowest branches are too high for my desired lowest tier. If I cut the trees back to this height now, will they sprout new growth at this height or will it kill them off?
It would most likely kill them to be cut back that severely. Plus, if it did survive and regrow, the growth it would have would not be suitable for espalier.
I just bought a house with a beautiful apple tree in the backyard. Last night, while watering, I noticed a liquid coming out of a spot where the branches have been cut. The liquid doesn't look like sap, more the water. I don't believe this to be an infection from cutting off the branch because it seems to have been cut several months before. The apple tree has gone uncared for for a long time, but seems healthy for the most part and still had apples on it when we bought the house in December. Any idea what this liquid might be? is there any chance we can make it healthy again? and will my other fruit trees have the same thing?
It is likely sap. Sap in the spring is very watery. It will be fine and this will not hurt the plant. It is common for recent pruning cuts to do this in the spring when sap runs.
We have a 40-year-old apple tree, which last year had few leaves and blossoms and a few apples. This year the tree is completely bare. In the winter large fungi came from the base of the trunk all the way around. Does this mean it's dying?
Trees, like animals, have lifespans. Most apple trees live only 15-20 years, so yours is quite old and is most likely dying from old age. The fungi is most likely not causing it to die, but is simply being opportunistic and attaching to a dying tree.
We have a lot of squirrels. They have chewed the bark in a couple of places. Just wondered what you would suggest to put on the spots to keep the squirrels away.
Paint hot sauce on the trouble spot. This will keep them from chewing. Re-paint after it rains.
This article will also help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/get-rid-squirrels.htm