I have a dwarf flowering crabapple that is flowering very nicely except for some stray branches coming off the trunk. They are very high and ruining the look of the tree. Can I safely cut off the branches that are coming off the trunk but not flowering.
If they are high on the tree they are waterspouts. Suckers that come from the base of the tree or the roots are from grafted trees.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/apples/apple-tree-water-sprouts.htm
We were advised by our nursery that this type of tree would do well with a partial sun position in our backyard. However your article says it must have full sun. Also not sure how well drained is the soil since two trees have died in roughly the same place in the past 18 months, a pine and a river birch. What chance does this crab tree have and what should we do to give it the best chance. It is beautiful even in June. Thank you.
It sounds like your soil is diseased, or the tree receives too much water, without being allowed to dry out between watering, which, in turn, causes disease.
I would have your soil tested, thoroughly. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm
I recently cut down an old crab apple tree, but the pesky red weeds are still growing from the roots. I did have the stump grinded, but the red weeds are still growing. Is there a specific poison or other chemical I can apply that will not kill my grass?
You can try a selective herbicide and see if it will take care of them. Those will not kill grass.
If that doesn't work you may need to go with a non-selective herbicide such as a brush killer and hold cardboard next to each one while you spray. You can also "paint" the herbicide onto the weeds.
I live in Eastern Ontario. The tree is still alive but part of it didnt leaf out this spring and there were no blossoms. The rear lower part of trunk is spongy. Ive observed the sawdust around the trunk again this week. Can I save the tree. Howndo I kill the insects living inside. What should I do with the spongy area.
Typically, once they have entered the tree, there is little that you can do to stop it. Prevention is key, here.
There are a few things that you can attempt, though. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-borer-insects.htm
Looks like mini apple, red color. Size like a very large blueberry. Is it safe to eat?
It resembles many of the crabapples. I can't say for certain, though. Cut it open to confirm the genus. The seed configuration will be a dead giveaway.
As far as its edibility- You may want to take it up to your closest agricultural center for help with that.
Hi! 4 months ago I sprayed my roof with Spray and Forget roof cleaner. I accidentally over sprayed on my crab apple trees. To be safe, I did not use this Fall's crop of apples. Would it be safe to use next year's crop? Spray and Forget roof cleaner is toxic, but would it affect next year's new crop of apples? Thank you
The product insert says it is biodegradable, no harsh chemicals, and won't harm plants; and especially since you are waiting for the next season's new growth to consume the apples, it should be fine. The label warning is for irritation if the spray gets in eyes or on skin.
Tree is now about 8-9 feet high. A "sister" tree did not survive the previous winter. What can I do, if anything?
Unfortunately, it sounds like the cultivar of choice was not hardy in your area. Most of these trees will only survive down to our USDA zone 4, which is your zone 5.
Generally, in this situation, heavy mulching for the winter and burlap over the tree tops (as much as possible) can help. Just make sure to remove them both when warmer weather returns.
These articles will offer information on flowering trees that will be suitable for your area:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-3/zone-3-ornamental-trees.htm