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shothole on red splendor crabapple #738708
Asked March 12, 2021, 11:17 AM EST
Stearns County Minnesota
Expert Response
Please send a few pictures.
Th holes appear to be all on the east side of the tree, and as I said earlier, about 1/2 the apples, which are supposed to stay on the tree, drop off, around August. It blossoms beautifully in the spring, and leafs out nicely, and tons of apples, but then they start to drop onto the sidewalk and into my garden beds - LOTS of them.
I don't think this went through when I tried to send it on Saturday or am trying again.
Love the Red Splendor crab. It was selected and propagated in Becker, MN, by Melvin Bergeson.
https://thedailygardener.org/ota20200131/
From what you have told me, the tree may have insect and environmental issues that are stressing the tree. Trees under stress have increased susceptibility to pests. They may also produce an overabundance of fruit / seeds. This is called "masting". The holes appear to be made by woodpeckers or cedar waxwings which would be another indication of insect issues.
I don't think there is anything you can do to heal the holes in this tree, but you can try to keep it as stress-free as possible overall starting with removing the grass from around the base (about 3-feet out from the trunk in a circle) and mulching the root area with 3-4 of wood mulch. Pull the mulch back from the base of the tree (you should be able to see the root flare). Water your tree sufficiently during the growing season when weather is dry: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-established-trees-and-shrubs
Your Red Splendor may also need some pruning which you could still do now to open up the canopy to more light, remove crossing branches, water sprouts, damaged branches, etc. Because of the size of the tree, I would contact a tree care company to prune it. Look for a company that can provide a certified arborist to do the pruning and also have them consult on the health of the tree. It is worth the money. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional