Apple tree dieback - Ask Extension
Our 34 year-old apple tree experience die-back this spring. The dead portions seem to be losing bark and are somewhat mottled (see photos). Would ap...
Knowledgebase
Apple tree dieback #872208
Asked June 08, 2024, 3:55 PM EDT
Our 34 year-old apple tree experience die-back this spring. The dead portions seem to be losing bark and are somewhat mottled (see photos). Would appreciate any suggestions.
Howard County Maryland
Expert Response
We can't tell from your photo what may be going on, other than you have a dead limb within the tree. This would not be of great concern in a tree of this age, and dead wood can be pruned out at any time.
How does the rest of the tree look?
Christine
How does the rest of the tree look?
Christine
Thanks, Christine. The dead branches are on the east side of the tree. The tree, on the whole, looks pretty good and has set fruit.
Was concerned that there may be a more significant issue at hand but ‘old age’ for the demise of the branches sounds reassuring.
Tom
E.C.
Tree branches can die back from a variety of causes, so perhaps prior drought stress, over-saturated roots, root injury from digging months or years ago, or some other factor led to wood decay in that limb. Since we can't see the base of the tree, just make sure that the trunk is not covered by mulch (don't use a mulch "volcano" that piles it against the bark), though if the tree is surrounded by lawn, a protective (flat) mulch ring does help keep mowers and other lawn equipment away from the bark to avoid serious injury to the tree. Monitoring it for watering needs is the only approach to minimize tree stress for now, aside from pruning off the dead branches.
Miri
Miri
Thank you, Miri.
Tom
E.C.
You're welcome.
