Backyard apple tree dying! Why? Can it be saved? - Ask Extension
Hi - we have an apple tree in our backyard that is dying quickly. Most of it didn't leaf out this year and the bark is black and peeling. Do you k...
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Backyard apple tree dying! Why? Can it be saved? #137251
Asked June 27, 2013, 2:52 PM EDT
Hi - we have an apple tree in our backyard that is dying quickly. Most of it didn't leaf out this year and the bark is black and peeling. Do you know what this could be, and if it is possible to save it?
thanks - Jill
thanks - Jill
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Jill,
Can you send me photos of the tree?
Our trees have had a very tough couple years--drought, cold winters, wind and some very late freezes this spring. If the tree hasn't leafed out this year, then it's not going to re-leaf and those branches will die (if they aren't already). Unfortunately, you may have to replant.
We're sadly seeing this all over town, from trees that tried to push growth, but either were damaged by frost, cold or drought and didn't have the resources to push new growth from other stress.
The bark could be the tree drying down--causing shrinking and cracking, but it's hard to say for sure. It could also be a number of other conditions.
What I might recommend is that you consider replanting another apple tree this summer, leave the current one and see how it fares next spring. Give it regular water throughout the entire year (including fall and winter). If there are only a few branches now that have leaves, then it's probably best to remove it.
Here's information on varieties to select: http://www.colostate.edu/programs/wcrc/pubs/research_outreach/treefruitcoldclimate.pdf
Can you send me photos of the tree?
Our trees have had a very tough couple years--drought, cold winters, wind and some very late freezes this spring. If the tree hasn't leafed out this year, then it's not going to re-leaf and those branches will die (if they aren't already). Unfortunately, you may have to replant.
We're sadly seeing this all over town, from trees that tried to push growth, but either were damaged by frost, cold or drought and didn't have the resources to push new growth from other stress.
The bark could be the tree drying down--causing shrinking and cracking, but it's hard to say for sure. It could also be a number of other conditions.
What I might recommend is that you consider replanting another apple tree this summer, leave the current one and see how it fares next spring. Give it regular water throughout the entire year (including fall and winter). If there are only a few branches now that have leaves, then it's probably best to remove it.
Here's information on varieties to select: http://www.colostate.edu/programs/wcrc/pubs/research_outreach/treefruitcoldclimate.pdf
Hi Alison - two pics of the tree are attached.
Jill
Jill
Hi Jill,
Oh, I can see it's a very large tree and has a swing...obviously it's one you use for play and for the shade. But at this state, the tree will not recover and should be removed. As it continues to decline, the structure of the tree may become unsound. If it fell, would it damage any property...seems like the fence and house are close by?
It may not need to be removed immediately, but you may consider calling a certified arborist to let you know the structural integrity of the tree. They can also give you a better assessment of its health.
Oh, I can see it's a very large tree and has a swing...obviously it's one you use for play and for the shade. But at this state, the tree will not recover and should be removed. As it continues to decline, the structure of the tree may become unsound. If it fell, would it damage any property...seems like the fence and house are close by?
It may not need to be removed immediately, but you may consider calling a certified arborist to let you know the structural integrity of the tree. They can also give you a better assessment of its health.
