skip to main content

my poor broken tree - can it be saved?

15 years ago

We had a crazy windstorm two days ago and a piece of lumber that was leaning against the garage crashed onto my year-old potted blood orange tree leaving it doubled over like it had been punched in the stomach - poor baby! The trunk is broken, but not severed. I grabbed the closest tape (some kind of stretchy green plastic garden tape) and wrapped the trunk wound and then wrapped it to the stake in the pot and brought it indoors, expecting the worst. Two days later it is still hanging in, hasn't lost any leaves and I'm getting hopeful that it could actually survive? Am I deluding myself? What should I do to help it? I can't believe the little bit of tape and "Hello Kitty" bandaid are actually what it needs. I'd love to save the little guy if I could - any suggestions would be much appreciated!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

tsmith2579
15 years ago
I broke a limb on my Ponderosa lemon last autumn when I was putting it in the greenhouse. It was hanging on by just a little wood where it split from the trunk. It was a clean split, not any splinters. It had heavy, large lemons on it. I sprinkled a drop or two of SuperThrive on the wound. I pulled it back into place, and tightly wrapped it with black plastic electrical tape. That limb never wilted, the fruit ripened and that same limb has huge lemons on it right now. I think you did everything right, so far. Now I would feed the plant some SuperThrive to stimulate growth and some blue liquid fertilizer at 1/2 strength. Keep it out of the wind so the splinted limb won't wiggle. Good luck and let me know what happens. - Terry
Related Discussions
Help Save my poor little tree
Q
Comments (1)
Looks like it might have had too much rain, especially if the soil mix does not drain immediately (bonsai mixes are often soil-less, with very small gravel, bark bits and perlite, etc. But high light is important, so if you have either some kind of supplement (LOW hanging fluorescent) or a very sunny sill, that would help. Also high humidity (but not high soil water) is important - not sure if the tree's ideal for Colo.!
...See More
my sunflower is partially broken at ground level can it be saved?
Q
Comments (3)
Just how big is this plant now? Do not pack earth around an open 'wound' otherwise you are inviting creatures to invade the plant. If the top isn't wilting, then perhaps there's hope in that enough nutrients are being channelled upwards. You may not get as large a flower though. Ianna
...See More
Help! Broken branch, can I save the tree?
Q
Comments (4)
I'd say to root any pieces as you would a cutting - allow to callous then using tdogdad's method of a perlite channel in potting soil or go to Plumeria101.com. Trim off any large leaves that are left. For the root ball, trim off anything that looks too damaged - on the top too, you would want to trim off anything that is ragged. When I receive a rooted cutting in the mail I always soak it overnight in a SuperThrive solution then pot in a perlite-heavy mix, water with the SuperThrive solution, place it on the brick patio etc. What happened to your tree?? Suzanne
...See More
Could you please help save my poor bald dwarf meyer?
Q
Comments (2)
First off, the ground looks saturated. Fine if you just watered but you don't want to keep it that way as the roots will rot. Second, clear away the weeds and other plants around the base of the tree to the drip line of the canopy, or where it would be. A 4" layer of mulch on that area will help keep weeds down, hold in water, and feed the tree as it breaks down. I would pinch off the flower buds as you want the tree to concentrate on putting out foliage right now. Keep your watering to once a week or so (with the mulch) and let the tree be. It is still green so should put out some new leaves but there is a chance it has been stressed too much and will die. I wouldn't fertilize it but a dose of vitamin B-1 (rooting tonic) can help out the roots immensely.
...See More

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR Kitchen of the Week: Broken China Makes a Splash in This Kitchen

By Becky Harris

When life handed this homeowner a smashed plate, her designer delivered a one-of-a-kind wall covering to fit the cheerful new room

SAVING WATER 11 Ways to Save Water at Home

By Carol Crotta

Whether you live in a drought-stricken area or just want to help preserve a precious resource, here are things you can do to use less water

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Get Along With Less Lawn — Ideas to Save Water and Effort

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Ditch the mower and lower your water bill while creating a feast for the eyes with diverse plantings and gathering places

SAVING WATER 6 Reasons Why You Should Save Your Rainwater Now

By Falon Mihalic

Collect and store during the rainy season so you’ll have water ready for irrigation when you need it

MODERN ARCHITECTURE Keep Your Big Windows — and Save Birds Too

Reduce bird strikes on windows with everything from architectural solutions to a new high-tech glass from Germany

PETS 5 Finishes Pets and Kids Can’t Destroy — and 5 to Avoid

By Christine Tusher

Save your sanity and your decorating budget by choosing materials and surfaces that can stand up to abuse

LIFE How Your Landscaping Can Keep Burglars Away

Prevent home break-ins with strategic landscaping and good practices instead of menacing — and maybe less effective — measures

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel

By Kelli Kaufer Designs

A designer shares key areas where you can economize — and still get the kitchen of your dreams

DECORATING GUIDES The Cure for Houzz Envy: Guest Room Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make overnight guests feel comfy and cozy with small, inexpensive niceties

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Upgrade Your Windows for Beauty, Comfort and Big Energy Savings

By Mitchell Parker

Bid drafts or stuffiness farewell and say hello to lower utility bills with new, energy-efficient windows

Sponsored

More Discussions

Advice needed. Just repotted my two dying avocados in Tapla's 5-1-1

8

Can I get some lemons to grow in Pikeville Kentucky

6

Coming out of the closet

10

Howardmartin growing citrus

2

In ground outside Meiwa kumquat on flying dragon

2