Bark damage - old mandarin

13 years ago

When we bought our house in 2009, the back yard was a jungle of blackberry with a few trees that had been neglected for 30 years. EVERYthing got bulldozed with the exception of this one mandarin which got hacked up but survived. I want to try and bring it back but it's got some problems.

1. Suckers - I can clip those off, not a big deal.

2. Bark damage - YOWCH! What is this and how do I help the tree heal?

3. Fertilization - going to get busy on that and watering. It's been a basket case and I've thought about whacking it but now am thinking perhaps it could be a good tree for grafting.

Can you guys help me with the bark issue? I have had a change of heart and really want to try and save this old dog. I have 10 other new citrus trees that are all doing pretty well but would like to save this one. Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

serge94501
Original Author
13 years ago
Bark damage pic #1
serge94501
Original Author
13 years ago
Bark damage pic #2
Related Professionals
Crestview Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Bloomington Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Bennington Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · San Luis Obispo Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Las Vegas Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lexington Landscape Contractors · Rockford Landscape Contractors · Lincoln Landscape Contractors · Clearlake Landscape Contractors · Ocala Home Builders · Baltimore Home Builders · Starkville Home Builders · Williamsburg Home Builders · San Diego Home Builders · Lubbock Home Builders
jean001a
13 years ago
Bark damage #1 -- looks like someone cut off branch too close. Leave it be.

Bark damage #2 -- bark is dead because underlying wood is dead. Leave it be. If tree fails, replant if desired.
serge94501
Original Author
13 years ago
So...do nothing and hope it lives?
hoosierquilt USDA 10A Sunset 23 Vista CA
13 years ago
Jean is correct, there is actually nothing you can do to repair the bark damage. Cut away all the rootstock suckers, which as sapping your cultivar's growth (anything you see with "leaves of three" are the trifoliate rootstock). Mulch well around the base of the tree, just make sure the mulch is 3" to 4" away from the trunk. Fertilize well 4 times a year and let your tree grow as best it can. Not a good candidate for grafting with all that bark damage. But, it has a pretty, architectural form, so I would encourage it to grow.

Patty S.
serge94501
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, Patty :)
econ0003
13 years ago
If you are feeling adventurous you might want to try grafting the top of the tree to some of those suckers.

That way if the main trunk fails then you have another healthy tree growing off of the suckers.
johnmerr
13 years ago
Could be Psorosis; most common in older trees; no cure available. If it were my tree, I would paint the trunk with white latex paint diuted 1 to 1 with water to at least protect it from sunburn.