How To Restore Or Renew An Apple Or Pear Tree Damaged In Winter

2024 Author: Sebastian Paterson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:47

If the tree is dead

The reasons for the death of a fruit tree can be very different, but most often it is a defeat by severe frosts. But whatever the reason - do not rush to uproot it, even if all the buds and branches are dead.

It is possible that the cambium of the trunk is alive, and from the sleeping buds on it not this year, so next year new, replacing shoots will go. Only after this period it will be clear what has dried up and where it is necessary to remove the dead tissue.

With a lively and powerful root system, even a heavily damaged tree can recover in a few years. And much faster than the newly planted plant will grow and begin to bear fruit. If the entire trunk died, don't rush anyway. Usually it dies according to the level of snow cover, the grafting site is located much lower, which means that the variety is probably preserved. Numerous shoots will go from the sleeping buds. Again, do not rush to remove the "extra", even if they come from the stock. For the first few years, let everyone grow. At this time, the tree is in dire need of assimilates, so every leaf is valuable. You will definitely remove unnecessary shoots later, but after 3-4 years, when the main trunk and crown are formed. It is only necessary in the middle of summer to lightly pinch the tips of the rootstock shoots so that they do not overtake the cultivated,from which you will then select and form a new trunk.

And in the event that the entire cultivated trunk has died, and wild shoots of the rootstock have gone from the root collar, still do not rush. Having cut it down by the fall of the second year, not earlier, leave them to grow. In a few years, when a new main trunk emerges, and sometimes, depending on the breed, their shape, location and other factors, even two or three, you will graft it (or them) into the stem or even into the crown with cuttings of the variety you want. The rest of the trunks should first be slowed down in growth by shortening, and when the new crown is finally formed, cut out. But not immediately, but gradually, over several years. Indeed, during this period, the balance of nutrients in the tree is already tense. Therefore, you should not give him another shock by cutting too hard.