One of the apple trees we planted last year was damaged from the cold over the winter. The bark split and started peeling, and everything a foot or so above ground on up seems to be dead. But the lower part of the trunk is sprouting. The sprouts are coming from above the graft, so they're fugi apples not the root stock.
Now I'm wondering what to do. This is on my hunting property, so it doesn't have to look like a traditionally shapped attractive tree. A healthy productive apple tree is good enough for me.
I'm inclined cut the trunk off shortly above the highest sprout, and probably remove all but one or two spouts in the hope of establishing a new leader. Thoughts?



Now I'm wondering what to do. This is on my hunting property, so it doesn't have to look like a traditionally shapped attractive tree. A healthy productive apple tree is good enough for me.
I'm inclined cut the trunk off shortly above the highest sprout, and probably remove all but one or two spouts in the hope of establishing a new leader. Thoughts?


