Not sure what caused this, but that tree’s a goner. When a tree loses bark all the way around (called ringed) it soon dies. Some people ring trees meant for firewood so the tree will start seasoning even before its cut down.
hastipuddn
I wish you could give it a skin graft, in this case a bark graft. It’s semi-surprising no one has developed a material like that given the number of posts similar to yours.
means-two-end
Can you propagate a branch or cut it above the wound and save from there?
Rightish_Sock
Cambrian gone, Its hurt bad. no nutrients from the roots can now feed any growth above that wound.
NOT A PRO
but… what I would do. Chop that thing off right at the top of that wound. With any luck that small branch will become the new leader, new buds will pop out lower, and your tree might make it. If you leave the damaged top its going to rob energy and give ways for the tree to get sick.
Logiwonk_
Sorry mate, time to buy a new apple tree.
LokiLB
It could live, but only the part below the damage. There is a branch below that.
If you aren’t emotionally attached and are growing it for fruit, I’d replace it. If you’re emotionally attached or in the market for a potentially funky looking tree, clean off the wound and se if it makes it.
warmerdutch
There is a distinct difference in bark above and below the wound. That makes me think it’s a graft, and that the location of the graft is where the pathogen got in.
If so, keeping what’s left of the tree below the wound – as commenters here have suggested – will never give you the apple you expected, because you’ll be growing the rootstock it was grafted on.
SpiritualGardener
Hmmm I would maybe try the grafting technique depending how tall the tree is.
truckfrudeau25
I’ve had this happen could be beavers but most likely rats they love cambium
samisanson
My first thought when I saw this photo: grafting fail!
10 Comments
Not sure what caused this, but that tree’s a goner. When a tree loses bark all the way around (called ringed) it soon dies. Some people ring trees meant for firewood so the tree will start seasoning even before its cut down.
I wish you could give it a skin graft, in this case a bark graft. It’s semi-surprising no one has developed a material like that given the number of posts similar to yours.
Can you propagate a branch or cut it above the wound and save from there?
Cambrian gone, Its hurt bad. no nutrients from the roots can now feed any growth above that wound.
NOT A PRO
but… what I would do. Chop that thing off right at the top of that wound. With any luck that small branch will become the new leader, new buds will pop out lower, and your tree might make it. If you leave the damaged top its going to rob energy and give ways for the tree to get sick.
Sorry mate, time to buy a new apple tree.
It could live, but only the part below the damage. There is a branch below that.
If you aren’t emotionally attached and are growing it for fruit, I’d replace it. If you’re emotionally attached or in the market for a potentially funky looking tree, clean off the wound and se if it makes it.
There is a distinct difference in bark above and below the wound. That makes me think it’s a graft, and that the location of the graft is where the pathogen got in.
If so, keeping what’s left of the tree below the wound – as commenters here have suggested – will never give you the apple you expected, because you’ll be growing the rootstock it was grafted on.
Hmmm I would maybe try the grafting technique depending how tall the tree is.
I’ve had this happen could be beavers but most likely rats they love cambium
My first thought when I saw this photo: grafting fail!