I start cutting branches at the ends, and work my way towards the trunk. I can see if there are signs of life. If there is any ‘green’ . . . or all just WOOD. When I get to the main trunk of the part that is ‘questionable’ - and it is definitely DEAD . . . then I cut that trunk off at the base. - - - And I wouldn’t mind a single trunk . . . but it probably won’t stay that way for long! Pomegranates are simply stubborn about having multi-trunks - and if you cut them off - more will pop up as suckers. But if you leave them they will eventually fruit.
I’m waiting for 2 things to happen before I ‘lop them off’. One - Everything else on the bush/tree has truly leafed out. Two - I get to ditch the boot I have to wear on my broken foot! It’s no fun trying to walk on uneven surfaces with this thing!
Yeah, I’m hesitant to cut off any of the dormant wood because it is still green underneath the bark all the way to the very tips of the branches. The wood is definitely alive, just not waking up. I’m nearly 100% positive it isn’t any kind of cold stress that has caused this extended dormancy because every other tree woke up right on time, and because I’ve never heard that 26 can hurt a mature pomegranate tree. I didn’t even have to cover my citrus this past winter, that’s how mild it was. Last winter this pomegranate endured a low of 21 and woke up just fine last spring. I suppose I’m in a holding pattern for now, hoping it will wake up and join the party.
I know all about those post surgical boots. I’ve had FOUR foot surgeries in the last 15 years, two on each foot. Wearing the boot is no fun. Here’s to hoping that you are soon hopping around without the boot.
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