Suckers On Trunk Of Crabapple Tree

Q: Two winters ago I planted a crabapple tree. Last summer I placed a watering bag around the tree. The bag shifted and snapped the tree at its base. This spring I have several little suckers coming up from the trunk. What should I do now?

A: If you planted a grafted tree, the sprouts are likely coming from the rootstock. Any apple tree that results from these suckers will not yield good apples. If you don’t know if it was grafted or not, I recommend you cut your losses and replace the tree. Potted apple trees can be planted in late spring if you are attentive to watering in summer.