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Crabapple tree looks weird #867344

Asked May 06, 2024, 9:37 PM EDT

This tree planted by reputable landscape company about 3 years ago. It's never really grown upward and branches never seem to grow out This spring it's prolifically blooming but the shape is all wrong!

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

There are some columnar crabapple cultivars on the market. Do you know what kind of crabapple it is? 

It looks like your tree could use some pruning on the lower branches but at this point, wait until winter to do that. February through April is the best time, to limit exposure to disease and insects. 

Since it was just planted 3 years ago, you may want to call the landscaper and as for their experience with this tree. 

Newly planted trees can take 3 years to settle in and we have been in a stressful 3 year drought. Keep it well watered and mulch it at the base. 

https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/TreeOwnersManual

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs#:~:text=Prune%20apple%20trees%2C%20including%20flowering,of%20the%20bacterial%20disease%20fireblight.

Deb Reierson Replied May 08, 2024, 2:29 PM EDT
Thank you so much for the information.  I do think it is a Columnar crab
On Wed, May 8, 2024 at 1:29 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 08, 2024, 2:43 PM EDT

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