Spindly growth
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2012 8:12 am
Almost all of the apple trees with this issue have been in the ground two years now. I am going to get my soil tested by the Univ. of Penn Extension service; however maybe someone has a suggestion or dealt with a similar problem.
All of my apple trees are situated ideally with a southerly exposure and sunshine all day. The area of the affected trees seems to be sandy, even though I think most of my other trees are in clay soil. Approximately 15-20 feet away on the north side of the affected trees is a line of mature oak, hickory and maple trees. I will be getting these trees cut down this year. Otherwise I have an ideal location/climate for apple trees.
My problem is with my two year old trees. Last years central leader growth did not put out any new limbs last year or this year; however last years growth has tightly closed buds along the central leader. I plan to cut above some of these buds early next spring trying to force limbs to grow.
When the central leader started growing again this year, the new growth put out limbs. Most of my apple trees look top heavy. Why did last years central leader growth not put out any limbs?
I will update with a picture this weekend of an apple tree and post the results of my soil test when the results are available.
I want to express my appreciation to Scott and Richard for stopping by yesterday (10/11/2012) and taking a look at my trees and informing me of my issues.
All of my apple trees are situated ideally with a southerly exposure and sunshine all day. The area of the affected trees seems to be sandy, even though I think most of my other trees are in clay soil. Approximately 15-20 feet away on the north side of the affected trees is a line of mature oak, hickory and maple trees. I will be getting these trees cut down this year. Otherwise I have an ideal location/climate for apple trees.
My problem is with my two year old trees. Last years central leader growth did not put out any new limbs last year or this year; however last years growth has tightly closed buds along the central leader. I plan to cut above some of these buds early next spring trying to force limbs to grow.
When the central leader started growing again this year, the new growth put out limbs. Most of my apple trees look top heavy. Why did last years central leader growth not put out any limbs?
I will update with a picture this weekend of an apple tree and post the results of my soil test when the results are available.
I want to express my appreciation to Scott and Richard for stopping by yesterday (10/11/2012) and taking a look at my trees and informing me of my issues.