Hi there!
So, 3 years ago I bought a Bartlett and a honey crisp apple tree, I was told they would fertilize each other and I went home and planted them. Later researched and found out you need one of each...
This year my apple tree died, was in first few weeks of the leaf buds opening up and they never did, buds and leaves stayed unopened and dried up and tree stayed like this. I just removed it today, it was completely dry inside, broke off easily.
Speaking to a man at a nursery, bought a 2nd pear tree... we chatted about the apple tree. I had thought fireblight was the issue but he says it is most likely my clay soil that is the real issue.
My 3 year old pear tree looks great BUT I hit the trunk today with the lawnmower and the trunk gave away very easily... I have pics will upload. Basically, the bark is almost flaking off! The rest of the tree looks great.
I added some stuff to the bark, meant to cover bark and tree wounds. Tied it up so the bark an seal and heal.
Here are the questions finally!
1- Do you think the soft bark could be related to the clay in the soil? Roots too wet?
2- What I did to the wound....is it ok? Anything else I can do?
3- I am thinking of removing the pear tree this fall and replanting it higher up. This is what the man at nursery told me to do. To allow the roots a dry place to be.
Any help would be great!
Sorry for the long post!!!