Is this appletree dying? Can I do something to heal it?
this post was submitted on 12 May 2024
12 points (100.0% liked)
Gardening
76 readers
10 users here now
/m/gardening is a place for the best guides, pictures, and discussions of all things related to plants and their care. Please give a general location when asking questions. Plant, pest and disease identification are much easier with geographical context. Also check out our friends at: /m/houseplants /m/plants /m/vegetablegardening /m/hydroponics
founded 1 year ago
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
Photos of the branches would be handy. It's easier to tell if disease is affecting the tree by looking for dead leaders, feeble or lagging foliage etc..
That being said, this tree is vulnerable because of this damage to the truck, but it isn't necessarily dying. Basically, a wound like that is a convenient way for bacteria or fungus to make its way into the heartwood. There's not a lot you can do other than pray and enjoy what the tree has left. It might maintain vitality for years like this. If you start to see bark peeling off, branches dying, or leaves wilting, then there's some kind of bacteria or fungus in the trees vascular system and it's basically doomed.
If you replace it, don't plant another apple there. It'll quickly pick up any diseases the old apple had.
@Taniwha420 Thanks! The branches look fine to me, and it still gives fruit. I guess it's worth keeping it.