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Broken apple tree limb #803970

Asked August 01, 2022, 10:17 AM EDT

See the pictures. Can this be repaired, other than just cutting it back to the main trunk? Can it be splinted, or propped up and supported some how?

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

The branch has been heavily damaged and likely will not recover even if you were to splint it.  Cut off the broken branch evenly.  The tree otherwise looks very healthy, so a little pruning may even help it.  Do you know the cause of the splitting?  A storm?  Just a sudden break?  It would be good to know if there is something affecting the tree that resulted in this damage.  The other branches look healthy, however, so there is probably no major disease or insect at the root of this problem.

For information about how to prune trees, see https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
Diane M Replied August 01, 2022, 5:54 PM EDT
fell in a storm.  The tree seems otherwise healthy.  It's about 30 years old.  We've had occasional seasons with Cedar Rust, but no other issues.  

so, your recommendation would be to cut it back to the trunk?  



On Mon, Aug 1, 2022 at 4:54 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 01, 2022, 6:12 PM EDT
Yes - we recommend cutting the damaged branch back close to the trunk.  Prune just beyond the branch collar (swelling) so that the cut is not flush with the trunk.
Diane M Replied August 03, 2022, 4:58 PM EDT

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