My (wife’s) poor Frankenstein tree

[AtomApple]

A few years ago I grafted a few (5-8) different Scion onto this crab tree. Last year and this year the original tree seems very unhealthy. I cut out all the dead branches this Spring, and plucked all the fruit, hoping it would bounce back, but it still looks weak. The only healthy parts are places where I grafted.
Any tips or suggestions to try and bring it back to life?
FWIW, the Scion didn’t seem bad on any of the rootstock I grafted.

 

[AtomApple]

This is what it looked like 5 or 6 years ago, so naturally, my wife is a little annoyed by my experiment.

 

[bigboreblr]

You using lawn fertilizer with weedkiller?

 

[AtomApple]

You using lawn fertilizer with weedkiller?

No spray fertilizer, probably none last year. I did but some granular from Menards this year, the Weed & Feed, but that is for broad leaf weed control. It has never harmed any of my trees before.

 

[hunts_with_stick]

Was it that way the whole year? I know some of my trees seem to lose their leaves a little early.

 

[H20fwler]

Water it and hit it with a cup or two of triple 10 next spring.

 

[b116757]

Look closely at the south side of the trunk looking for sawdust or dead dying bark maybe cambium minor attack.

 

[b116757]

Borers in New Hampshire Apple Trees [fact sheet]

Several species of insects bore into New Hampshire apple trees, including roundheaded apple tree borer, flatheaded apple-tree borer, dogwood borer (and the uncommon look-alike, apple bark borer), leopard moth, and broad-necked root borer. Some people also

extension.unh.edu

Fathead minors got my Harelson apple tree a couple years ago I’ve also had them hit my Red Delicious and Macintosh trees a few years ago but I caught that attach early and sprayed the trucks down with Martin’s Viper that seemed to kill them just fine but I’m sure there maybe a better product made for them. In that link I sent I says keep trunks cleared but at least around my place the trees with exposed trunks get attacked but the the trees that have branches all the way to the ground and the trunks are shaded have never had an issue with the minors.

 

[bigboreblr]

Where do you live? Some places had a pretty bad winter. Deep frostlines. Crabapple itself could of been on the edge of a USDA zone too.

Any of the leaves looked like fritos chips? That signs of 2,4D damage. Them seem ok in that pic. Some of that bark looks scaly, like something damaged it sun or insects.

Closeup of leaves and bark would be helpful.

If weedkilling is in order, spot spray with gly or 2,4D. Long term weed control is alot of herbicide vs a bit here n there on the trouble spots.

Tree looks rough, but I think it'll trun around. Soil sample would be helpful, even a basic pH one.

I graft rootstocks and put them in rootmaker pots. PRetty much plant them anytime you want, as long as you can water them. OTherwise, you can plant outside of the hot summer. I've planted late june and early july last year and they survived at camp. Could have a plan B going incase the tree dies next year. Put at camp or give to a friend. Get a big enough rootmaker pot, you can put it in the pot when the bareroot comes in the mail. Folks on here have used those root maker bags too with good results.