skip to main content

Rocky Mountain Gardening

crabapple losing bark-- possibly dead

15 years ago

I have a 9 year old Prairiefire crab that was just getting to be beautiful in the spring. I just noticed that the bark is falling off in many places and all around the circumf. I don't see insects and am not sure what might have caused it. I did not wrap the tree this winter because it was old enough I thought. I pruned a couple branches and they were dry. What do you think it might be and are other trees in danger?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
15 years ago
It could be a number of things.

Pics for diagnosis, please.

Dan
terryincs
Original Author
14 years ago
I couldn't add a photo here but posted in the Garden Web Clinic forum. Please check out the photo and see what you think. Thanks! Also, would planting another crab in the area be wise?
Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
14 years ago
Way too little information. Think through what someone not there might need if this is important to you.

Dan
terryincs
Original Author
14 years ago
Not sure what else is needed. I bumped the post up in the Pest and Diseases forum so the photo is there. The tree had been doing fine except a little bark peeling off last year, not girdled. Full flowers and fruit last year as well. No sign of bugs or disease that I could see (but I wasn't really looking last year). It is dead--I can attest to that now. The question is... can I plant another crab in the same area? Since I don't know what might have killed the tree, I am afraid to plant the same type. Any other advice? Thanks!

Related Stories

BEFORE AND AFTERS See 6 Yards Transformed by Losing Their Lawns

By Annie Thornton

Wondering whether a turf lawn is the best use of your outdoor space? These homeowners did, and they found creative alternatives

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Replace Your Lawn With a Garden

By June Scott Design

New project for a new year: Lose the turfgrass for energy savings, wildlife friendliness and lower maintenance

SIDE YARD IDEAS Narrow Trees for Tight Garden Spaces

Boost interest in a side yard or another space-challenged area with the fragrance and color of these columnar trees

FALL GARDENING 6 Trees You'll Fall For

By Therese Ciesinski

Don’t put down that spade! Autumn is the perfect time for planting these trees

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

GARDENING GUIDES Garden-Friendly Native Alternatives to Overplanted Exotics

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

There are lots of gorgeous, wildlife-friendly native plants ready to make an appearance in your garden

PETS How to Help Your Dog Be a Good Neighbor

By Alison Hodgson

Good fences certainly help, but be sure to introduce your pup to the neighbors and check in from time to time

FRONT YARD IDEAS Before and After: Front Lawn to Prairie Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

How they did it: Homeowners create a plan, stick to it and keep the neighbors (and wildlife) in mind

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Great Design Plant: Sun-Loving Ninebark Puts on a Color Show

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

This tall, dark and handsome native shrub is equally at home in jeans and boots or in a suit and tie

SAVING WATER Houzz Call: Are You Letting Go of Your Lawn?

By Annie Thornton

Many facing a drought are swapping turf for less thirsty plantings. If you’re one of them, we’d like to hear about it

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

More Discussions

Hi everyone! Has anyone grown honeyberries (Haskap) at 8600’?

3

Is anyone grwoing Honeycrisp apples?

0

Ready for Spring?

19

Spring swap 2024

11

Free Asian Pear Trees

4