Crabapple Tree with Storm Damage

[mfbosox]

First off I would like to thank any one on here that could help me out, much apricated in advance! I have what I think is a crabapple tree in my yard which produces an amazing bloom in the summer time but it got beat up a bit over the winter. I was wondering if you guys have any recommendations on how to take care of this tree to make sure it survives. Is it as simple as cutting the broken part off close to flush and letting it heal or is there some sort of additional protection I should provide for the tree so it doesnt rot from the inside out now that there is some exposed area. Thanks!

 

[Scottnc]

I would offer that bark inclusion due to a bad limb angle was the culprit. As for a fix, remove any dead wood and make as smooth as possible the exposed bark edges. You may need to run a saw up and down the torn, jagged area to smooth the wound to remove places were rain can collect. While many don't place much stock in using a pruning dressing in this case I would. An aerosol version would be easiest to apply. Check every couple weeks and reapply as gaps in the coverage appear. I've have peach trees with similar damage from over cropping that four years later are still going strong.

 

[tJKrider]

@Scottnc thanks for this advice! Although I am not the OP I have a similar situation on a Maple and was going to take the same course of action... Glad to hear an opinion to confirm the direction.

 

[mfbosox]

I would offer that bark inclusion due to a bad limb angle was the culprit. As for a fix, remove any dead wood and make as smooth as possible the exposed bark edges. You may need to run a saw up and down the torn, jagged area to smooth the wound to remove places were rain can collect. While many don't place much stock in using a pruning dressing in this case I would. An aerosol version would be easiest to apply. Check every couple weeks and reapply as gaps in the coverage appear. I've have peach trees with similar damage from over cropping that four years later are still going strong.

Thank you very much for the help!! I worked on it a little yesterday and this is what I came up with, I need to do a little more smoothing and get some spray to protected it but I'm happy with how it looks so far

 

[Seachaser]

You will not like me for this, but I would saw it down and hope a stump sprout would come up. Several probably will. Trim down to one. You’d be surprised how quick the root system will form a tree. You’ll always have trouble with that tree as is.