This is my neighbors crab apple tree, but today we noticed there are 2 different trees growing 2 different fruits. We are not sure how the second tree got there, but my neighbors son swears that he planted seeds 4 years ago. Is it possible for the tree to grow that tall in 4 years? And how are these 2 different trees coexisting?
by ayushkez
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The original tree was grafted – that means the part of the tree above ground is a different variety from the part that grows below ground (the rootstock).
There are a lot of reasons this is done, and nearly all commercial apple trees you can buy in stores are grafted.
Sometimes, the rootstock will send up shoots and they should be pruned. But in this case, the shoots were left to grow and it turns out that they grow a different variety of apple.