Lollipop Crabapple Tree - Something is killing it - Timnath, CO - Ask Extension
Hi, We planted our Lollipop Crabapple tree almost 5 years ago in Timnath, Co. We have had great luck until this Spring. About half of the tree is bloo...
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Lollipop Crabapple Tree - Something is killing it - Timnath, CO #791247
Asked May 17, 2022, 12:54 PM EDT
Hi, We planted our Lollipop Crabapple tree almost 5 years ago in Timnath, Co. We have had great luck until this Spring. About half of the tree is blooming the remaining is brittle and dead. Upon inspection we noticed the upper portion of bark is dark, cracked and flaking. It looks like something bored into it and everything up is being choked. What could this be and is there anything we can do to treat and save our precious tree?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Allyson,
Thanks for your question. Do you recall how long the staking straps were on the tree before they were removed? The damage in photo #5023 looks like the trunk was girdled by staking straps. In general, straps should only be left on for six months and no longer than a year.
As the trunk grows and widens, the staking straps can cause constriction around the trunk (a bit like a tight necktie or a boa constrictor).
What this does is that it can cause disruption of water and nutrients from the roots to the top of the tree and you may see dieback.
At this point, you can't fix the damage, but you can focus on keeping the tree healthy with regular water and avoiding additional injury. I would also suggest removing the rocks at the base of the tree and replacing them with organic mulch. (Or just remove the ring and rocks.)
Thanks for your question. Do you recall how long the staking straps were on the tree before they were removed? The damage in photo #5023 looks like the trunk was girdled by staking straps. In general, straps should only be left on for six months and no longer than a year.
As the trunk grows and widens, the staking straps can cause constriction around the trunk (a bit like a tight necktie or a boa constrictor).
What this does is that it can cause disruption of water and nutrients from the roots to the top of the tree and you may see dieback.
At this point, you can't fix the damage, but you can focus on keeping the tree healthy with regular water and avoiding additional injury. I would also suggest removing the rocks at the base of the tree and replacing them with organic mulch. (Or just remove the ring and rocks.)
