I planted an apple tree last year whose trunk got damaged by some animal in late fall 2023. This year, as spring came along the tree started growing shoots and branches from the portion on the trunk right below the injury. Should I cut the injured top portion of the trunk where no buds or leaves are growing now? Will this grow into a healthy tree if I cut of the top of the trunk? Please pictures of the new growth and the trunk damage. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
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I would absolutely cut it off. Is it growing from the rootstock or the grafted portion?
You likely have a lot of training to do to get the tree where you want it to be for scaffolding.
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It is growing from the grafted portion. Will cut off the damaged top as you suggest. Thanks!
Check out the forum for various pruning techniques; Many people grow apples as central leaders but you can do open vase, modified central leader, or others if you establish scaffolding at the best locations. If deer damage is a concern, you probably want to pick one vigorous shoot and remove the rest to get above browse height then establish scaffolds above that mark. Most seem to like 5 feet.
By the way, welcome to the forum!
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If you want the tree to be taller then choose a new central leader near the top and let it become the new top. Cut everything above it and below it.
If you’re ok with the current lower scaffolds you can keep some and still keep a new central leader or you can cut it as an open vase shape with no central leader
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Do you know what kind of animal is the potential culprit? You may want to consider that and how you are able/willing to protect the tree before chosing the final shape. A low open center is no problem with rabbits (a good trunk guard will solve any issues) but if it’s deer or doe you may want to go for a taller form whether it’s open center or central leader.
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Thanks folks for the great advice!