Crabapple Tree Branch Injury - Ask Extension
Hello,
I had a crabapple tree planted last summer and a branch was injured/torn off while in transport. A portion of the branch remains as you can ...
Knowledgebase
Crabapple Tree Branch Injury #825031
Asked April 10, 2023, 1:44 PM EDT
Hello,
I had a crabapple tree planted last summer and a branch was injured/torn off while in transport. A portion of the branch remains as you can see in the photos, but I think it would be better if this injured section would be pruned off. I am not sure where the best place is to cut/prune the branch. Any advice you could provide would be most appreciated.
Thanks!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
I'd prune back to the next branching node. In addition to the damaged branch, your tree looks to need significant pruning. Look for crossing/touching branches and inward growing branches. Read here (and watch the informative video):
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs
Thanks Dennis! And can I still prune now or do I need to wait to do this later this fall?
You can do it now. Most crabs around here haven't broken dormancy. The sap might run a bit, but that's not an issue.
Thanks Dennis, again! I did some of the pruning this evening. How’d I do? Here are some photos. That damaged branch had a crack about a little longer than an inch so I had to make the cut just above the other branch. Hope I did it right! I also pruned off any crossing branches and branches that were growing towards the center. I think it’s better?
Looks better. However, the cut should be close to the branch node. There shouldn't be a stub left:
https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Horticulture/QRLabels/Pruning.html
https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Horticulture/QRLabels/Pruning.html
