Is My Apple Tree Dead?

Question: I bought this apple tree from Menards 2-3 months ago and have been watering it. From the pictures - it does not look too good. Is it dead? If not, what should I do? Thanks! Jeff

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 18, 2024, 9:18 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeff, Thank you for the pictures. From what I see your tree appears to be dead. I think I saw the problem. It was staked tightly to a rigid pole and the bark was rubbed off. When the bark is removed it exposes the layer under the bark that provides the water and nutrients from the roots to the tree.  When that is exposed the tree dies.  I could go into apple tree selection planting and pruning but it is more helpful to refer you to https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1401 which lays out the process.You can get further assistance at your OSU Extension Office. It is at 831 College Ave #D, Lancaster, Ohio 43130.<personal data hidden> Buy your next apple tree after reading the factsheet. Selection a tree from a local nursery or a mail order company  like Stark Bros who specializes in fruit trees and plants offer better sources. I hope I have been helpful and not too chatty.   Sincerely, Mike Heys, Franklin County Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2024, 3:11 PM EDT
response: Mike, Thank you!  Jeff McCullough "Wander!"      On Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 9:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 23, 2024, 10:06 PM EDT
response: You are very welcome Jeff. Sincerely, Mike Heys, Franklin County Master Gardener

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 12:24 PM EDT
response: Mike, Today I noticed some small growth about 6 inches from the ground on this tree--that was not there when I took the pictures I sent you. Should I cut off the dead top and let the bottom grow? Do something else? Thanks.   Jeff McCullough "Wander!"      On Thu, Jul 18, 2024 at 9:18 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 24, 2024, 3:11 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeff, I am part of a group of Master Gardeners who started a demonstration fruit garden at our county extension office. One thing I enjoy is watching different fruit plants grow so I say, "let it grow and see what you have". However, most small trees like those you bought are cultivars which means that the tree is a graft on rootstock. Almost all are done on compatible species of rootstock but no guarantees that something growing from the rootstock is the same as the tree that died. All in all there is nothing to loose! Let the bottom grow and let's hope you have a healthy apple tree. It will be fun. Good luck, Mike Heys

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 3:58 PM EDT
response: Mike, Thanks! Should I cut off the top that is dead or just leave it?   Jeff McCullough "Wander!"      On Wed, Jul 24, 2024 at 3:12 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 1:43 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeff, Cut the dead tree away. Good luck.  Sincerely, Mike

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 25, 2024, 4:06 PM EDT
response: Thanks.   Jeff McCullough "Wander!"      On Thu, Jul 25, 2024 at 1:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 25, 2024, 7:42 PM EDT
response: Hi Jeff, If you don't mind keep me posted on the progress of your tree.  Thanks,  Mike Heys

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 7:57 AM EDT
response: Mike, Thanks. Will do.   Jeff McCullough "Wander!"      On Thu, Jul 25, 2024 at 7:42 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 06, 2024, 11:00 AM EDT
response: Good luck