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Crab apple tree questions

desertgardener_NM

13 years ago

I have a very small (6 ft.) crab of unknown variety that was beautiful last year, but didn't do ANYTHING this year except turn sickly yellow. I've looked at pictures of apple scab--that's not what it is. It didn't bloom in the spring, and spent the summer putting on tiny, tiny leaves that either fell off or turned the same yellow. It didn't grow at all. There is, however, a healthy-looking sucker coming up. My questions: Do you think there's hope for the tree itself? Should I just whack it off and let the sucker grow? Are crabs grafted--if so, what are the chances of getting something decent from the sucker? This tree is in a spot that needs to look good and stay a reasonably small size. Thanks so much for any answers you can give me.

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Comments (3)

hortster
13 years ago
It doesn't sound good for your tree. If the sucker is coming from below the graft or from the ground it is probably the rootstock. Most rootstocks are chosen for stronger roots and good "take" when grafting scions from other varieties, but often have their own weaknesses. For example, my Sargentii crab suckers from the rootstock profusely. The suckers are highly succeptible to cedar-apple rust and look nasty (until removed) while the Sargentii top is rust free. I'd probably start again, but that is just me...
hortster
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
13 years ago
your tree is near death ...

the understock is not worth the use of the space it takes up ...

be done with it ... IMHO ..

ken
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desertgardener_NM
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you both for your answers. I was afraid it was no use, but hoped anyway. Oh well :(

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