Next step with this crabapple?

GailC

Omono
Messages
1,040
Reaction score
1,026
Location
North ID
USDA Zone
4-5
I dug this tree in 2016, left it about 3 feet tall. It grew well last year but all the new growth was at the top so last fall I cut it back to roughly a foot. It was still too tall so I took off a few more inches today but the big straight trunk still looks terrible. Do you think a large chop would be the best course to take? I really don't see it ever being decent with such a straight trunkline. If I do take off the large trunk, what should I do with the one that is left? The main straight trunk is about 1 1/2 wide, just seems like such a big would to make but I know apples are tough.
Oh, I suppose the sucker should come off too?

rAGrEj3.jpg


the other side
jrOBcfM.jpg
 

GailC

Omono
Messages
1,040
Reaction score
1,026
Location
North ID
USDA Zone
4-5
Judys crab is amazing but she has talent, I do not. I'd be willing to give carving a go but any help on design would be great. I am unable to see the tree within so to speak.
 

Leo in N E Illinois

The Professor
Messages
11,337
Reaction score
23,254
Location
on the IL-WI border, a mile from ''da Lake''
USDA Zone
5b
When a plan is not obvious, let it grow out a couple years.

You could use the thickest trunk, I would have gone a little shorter, maybe 8 inches, but carving in the future could take care of it. Just let it grow wild a couple more years. Choices will reveal themselves from future branches.
 

A. Gorilla

Omono
Messages
1,325
Reaction score
2,158
Location
N/E Illinois
USDA Zone
5b
That's going to pop with buds this year and next.

Decisions can be deferred.

Edit: Didn't reed two careful ferst time. You've had this a couple years already. So...me personally? I'd probably chop the thick guy. Not flush. Account for some die-back. let the skinny guy pop with more buds and see what happens.
 
Last edited:

JudyB

Queen of the Nuts
Messages
13,751
Reaction score
23,250
Location
South East of Cols. OH
USDA Zone
6a
Judys crab is amazing but she has talent, I do not. I'd be willing to give carving a go but any help on design would be great. I am unable to see the tree within so to speak.
Draw on the trunk a chop line and try to see it without the part you'll get rid of. Carve a bit at a time. Do it slow and you'll find your way.
 

GailC

Omono
Messages
1,040
Reaction score
1,026
Location
North ID
USDA Zone
4-5
So I've been playing around with a virt and this is what I came up with. One with carved trunk, one without. I think I like it better without.
 

Attachments

  • apple4.jpg
    apple4.jpg
    88.9 KB · Views: 11
  • ertfkkj,gjk.png
    ertfkkj,gjk.png
    210.8 KB · Views: 11
Top Bottom