Several trees fell into my yard during a storm, and one badly damaged my apple tree. The trunk was left split almost down to the roots, but it has started growing new shoots. Is it worth trying to save, and what should I do next?
Can my storm-damaged apple tree recover?
Asked by Qindle
Answers
New growth is a hopeful sign, but it doesn’t tell you whether the split trunk can safely support the tree long term. Since the damage runs close to the roots, I’d have a qualified arborist inspect it before trying to brace or graft anything. They can check whether the remaining trunk is stable and where the new shoots are coming from.
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If the shoots are coming from the living part of the apple tree above the graft union, you may be able to train one or more of them into a replacement top. If they’re coming from below the union, they may be rootstock growth rather than the Gala variety. First figure out where the graft is and where each shoot starts. A grafting plan can wait until you know what wood is still alive.
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I wouldn’t wrap the split tightly and assume that fixes it. A tie might hold pieces in place temporarily, but it won’t tell you whether the trunk or root system is sound. Keep the area clear of additional weight, and get an arborist’s opinion on whether any support or pruning is appropriate.
29k!:
Especially with the split extending down toward the roots, a quick inspection seems more useful than experimenting with a brace.
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There’s a reasonable case for waiting and seeing if it keeps growing, but I’d also make a backup plan. A severely split tree can put out leaves and still be too damaged to keep, so decide after an inspection rather than treating the new shoots as a guarantee. If it can’t be made stable, planting another apple tree may be the simpler route.
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Qindle:
That makes sense. I’ll get someone to assess the split before we try to tie it together or do any major pruning.