Knowledgebase
Split limb on apple tree - photos included #872125
Asked June 07, 2024, 5:06 PM EDT
Dear CSU Extension,
We have a 30+ year-old apple tree that we love. A strong wind split one of its limbs months ago. During the end of Feb or first week of March we cut the limb back, as far back as the end of the visible split. We see now that the split has gone deeper and the leaves on that limb are dead. I’ve attached 2 photos, one that shows the west side of the limb and one that shows the east side of it.
Do we need to cut the limb back farther? If we were to cut it back to the point that the limb would no longer have a split, it would mean cutting it back another 25 inches or more. The limb’s circumference is around 8”. It would mean the cutting back of one of the main 4 or 5 limbs of the tree, to almost nothing. We hate cutting this tree. We feel like it’s a member of the family. If we have to cut it more, will it be enough to cut it only a little bit? How much would we need to cut?
When would be the best time to do it? Thank you.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
I would suggest you contact a certified arborist to see if they have options as to what to do. Unfortunately the wood that has split apart will not seal back together and that branch will be susceptible to storm damage and additional breakage. What could be worse is if the bark splits and tears, then the tree will be very stressed.
You can find an arborist at http://www.treesaregood.com or you can reference the City of Fort Collins approved arborist list: https://www.fcgov.com/forestry/arborists
However, the cut you made will not trigger woundwood, which is necessary to seal off the pruning cut and prevent disease/decay from entering the tree.
The best place to make the cut would be below the split and where the branch is at a "U". This is also not an ideal cut because it's very large (anything over 4" can be very stressful) and is more of a heading cut, but it would be the recommended place. I realize this is not ideal and this is why consulting with a certified arborist is important. They can assess the tree in person and recommend the proper cut.
You can prune it this summer - or if you choose to wait, during the dormant season. I will send you a photo to your email address of where the likely suggested cut will be.
