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grafted apple tree growth/planting depth?

12 years ago

About 6 years ago I planted a honeycrisp and a macintosh in my yard. They were 24 inches tall then. They are now 6 and 7 feet, and have not yet flowered. I was starting to get irritated by this so I went and pulled up the mat around it to get a look at the soil. I noticed root coming out from above the graft, very fine, and less than 8 inches long. I know the graft is supposed to stay above ground so this doesn't happen, apparently the accumulation of grass clippings has held enough moisture around the graft for it to sucker like that.

Is this the reason for the apparent slow growth? I know soil conditions could be a factor as well, but other trees grow like weeds in my yard. If I clip those roots off and remove a little dirt to lower the soil level will that reverse this? Or, just how do I handle this and help these trees grow better?

Thanks.

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Comments (2)

brandon7 TN_zone7
12 years ago
"Is this the reason for the apparent slow growth?"

We can't tell why your tree is growing slowly from the information provided. My first shot-in-the-dark guess would be that it might be grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock. Roots coming from the scion would NOT make growth slow. If anything it would increase growth rate.

"If I clip those roots off and remove a little dirt to lower the soil level will that reverse this?"

No, it will not increase growth rate. However, I would definitely recommend removing the grass clippings from around the trunk. A situation like that will often lead greatly increase the chances for disease, rot, and even pests problems. If you decide to allow the scion to continue producing roots (and therefore killing off the rootstock), you might cover the existing roots with a light layer of soil. However, I would definitely not keep piling grass clippings up against the trunk. Also, be aware that if the scion roots and the rootstock is killed off, your tree could possible suffer in various ways (introduction of rot, poor root anchorage, etc). You might find more details about this with a search of this site. There are at least a couple of threads about scion rooting/root-stock ellimination.

"Or, just how do I handle this and help these trees grow better?"

Do you know what rootstock the tree is grafted onto? Did you plant the tree? Can you give us more details about how it was planted? Are there any signs of problems besides slow growth? Have you had your soil tested for nutrient levels? There are just too many variable to know what's causing the slow growth without more info.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
12 years ago
the root flare .. regardless of grafting is supposed to be at ground level ...

it 'sounds' like you have ended up burying it too deep ... w/o a picture its impossible to go beyond that speculation ...

this caused retarded growth.. and can lead to death ...

but ... i have heard about one conifer guy ... who used to intentionally bury his grafts.. so that eventually.. they would root above the graft ... but i think this was history reading.. and VERY OLD SCHOOL ...

one other thing.. since you sound like a lawn warrior... high nitro fert .. can affect flower and fruit.. when you rely on such in the lawn ... most orchards do not have lawn competing with them ... so give us some history there ...

finally.. way back when.. i gave up using grass as a mulch.. as it forms a mat that becomes anaerobic [doenst allow air in and out] and near waterproof ... which means you might be strangling and desiccating the trees ...

but i cant even tell if you have a man made mat on top or under the grass ....

need some pix. .. and a lot more facts..

ken
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