Knowledgebase
Apple Tree dying on top #757214
Asked June 19, 2021, 4:04 PM EDT
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
The damage is extremely localized essentially on the far side of the bands to the bamboo. It may be that the bands to the bamboo pole are too tight and constricted the expanding diameter of the crown branch. Cut the bamboo down. And send me a pic of the places where all the bamboo bands were.
On Jun 19, 2021, at 3:49 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Thank you! Anything I should do about the leaves? Looks like a pest problem.Lisa Agrimonti Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 19, 2021, at 3:49 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Trying again with photos. I cut off the dead branch.
Shrink your photos so that they will attach. I believe the branch is girdled. Although this can make it susceptible to disease, it is essentially a form of strangulation. https://www.russelltreeexperts.com/arbor-ed/2019/3/12/watch-out-for-girdled-trees
Thank you. Picture 3357 clearly shows that the trunk was strangled (girdled) by the green tape. On trees, all the sap moves just under the bark phloem and xylem. If the bark is squeezed everything dies from the point on from the squeeze. If you compress the artery to your feet, your toes will turn black. There is no disease in the toes, they just are not getting blood.
On the positive side, picture A235 shows that the tree responded to its crown dying by sending off a new crown to the right. The tree will live with a bend near the top.
Send me another picture in a month or so.
Best to you
Thank you for writing back.
I am a bit concerned about a place where a rodent gnawed through the bark. This could be a problem in the future.
For this winter, starting now, put a tube around but not touching the tree to keep critters away who like young tree bark. The tube must be removed by April 1 and must not touch the tree.
In February, when the tree is dormant, clip dead branches and do light pruning. This is a great set of videos.
You can mulch a bit but it is not needed and should be completely raked away in the spring to decrease risk of apple maggots etc from finding a place to drop eggs.
The tube need only be two feet high to stop rabbits. Google: apple tree protector tubes Don't be fancy with the tube. A four inch diameter piece of foam pipe insulation slit lengthwise, or a tube of hardware cloth will work well. I do not find that wrapping the tree with protection tape works
