White crabapple not healthy? - Ask Extension
I have a 5 year old white crabapple tree on the SW side of my house. This spring the blooms weren't as vigorous as previous seasons. Now in late Augus...
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White crabapple not healthy? #148815
Asked August 23, 2013, 12:07 PM EDT
I have a 5 year old white crabapple tree on the SW side of my house. This spring the blooms weren't as vigorous as previous seasons. Now in late August I'm noticing leaves falling already- is that normal?
Also, take a look at the leaves. None of them are uniform in shape - there's chunks missing here and there, do you know what could be causing this?
Hate to admit I take no special care of this tree (not even watering). Maybe the combo of last year's drought, this year's dryness has taken its toll?
Lastly, do you need to fertilize trees? Are the fertilizer spikes a good product for this?
Thanks!
Also, take a look at the leaves. None of them are uniform in shape - there's chunks missing here and there, do you know what could be causing this?
Hate to admit I take no special care of this tree (not even watering). Maybe the combo of last year's drought, this year's dryness has taken its toll?
Lastly, do you need to fertilize trees? Are the fertilizer spikes a good product for this?
Thanks!
Clay County Minnesota
Expert Response
It is to
early in the season for normal fall leaf drop. Does your tree have a root flare or is it straight like a
telephone pole? If it lacks a root
flare have the tree checked for stem girdling roots. When a tree is planted to
deeply its roots may grow around the trunk of the tree and growth of the
branches on the side of the plant affected by the girdling will be slowed. As
injury progresses, leaves will become smaller and lighter green, fewer leaves
will be produced, and eventually the branch will begin to die back.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/dd7501.html
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1139.html
Do the leaves have a yellow color? The yellow color may be due to stem girdling roots or iron chlorosis. The western part of the state has basic soils so many crabapples show iron chlorosis when grown in basic soil. To know where your soil stands in nutrient content have a soil test done. Have the pH, organic matter, N, P, and K and the soluble salts checked. Many fruit tree receive enough fertilizer from the fertilizer that you give your lawn. A soil test will tell you the amount and type of fertilizer your tree needs. Fertilizer spikes are not recommended. http://www1.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/apple/leavesyellow.html http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/2121.html http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/00084.html There are many insects that chew holes in apple trees. The following site has information on these insects. http://www1.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/apple/leavesholes.html
A certified arborist may be hire to evaluate your tree. http://www1.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/how-to-hire-a-professional-arborist/
Water your tree during drought.
Do the leaves have a yellow color? The yellow color may be due to stem girdling roots or iron chlorosis. The western part of the state has basic soils so many crabapples show iron chlorosis when grown in basic soil. To know where your soil stands in nutrient content have a soil test done. Have the pH, organic matter, N, P, and K and the soluble salts checked. Many fruit tree receive enough fertilizer from the fertilizer that you give your lawn. A soil test will tell you the amount and type of fertilizer your tree needs. Fertilizer spikes are not recommended. http://www1.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/apple/leavesyellow.html http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/2121.html http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/00084.html There are many insects that chew holes in apple trees. The following site has information on these insects. http://www1.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/apple/leavesholes.html
A certified arborist may be hire to evaluate your tree. http://www1.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/how-to-hire-a-professional-arborist/
Water your tree during drought.
