My parents have a crab apple tree that my great grandmother planted. I'm trying to estimate it's age.....oh well, it's old. In recent years, it's age has begun to show. I love that old crabapple and would like to save it somehow. The mother tree will eventually die, but I was wondering if anyone had advice on the best way to start a new one, from seed or graft? I've never done either, so if you've any tips on "how to" I would appreciate it.

Also was wondering if anyone might know the variety of crab apple. The fruit will grow to maybe 2" in diameter and turn a deep purple when ripe. We've made the most delicious apple jelly for years and years from this fruit. I spent my childhood climbing this tree. It's almost a friend to me.

Thanks in advance for any help.

-- Nancy in Maine (paintme61@yahoo.com), September 17, 2001

Answers

Go to a local Nursery and get a new Crab apple tree and then graft starts on it. You should be able to get all the information you need about grafting from your Extension Office.

-- Mel Kelly (melkelly@webtv.net), September 17, 2001.

I don't know if it works for apple trees but when I lived in FL I found out how to 'air layer' and it's easy, quick and fool proof.

Take a sharp razor blade and slice up underneath a bud. Brush open wound with hormone rooting powder. Slide in a wooden match stick. Wrap in moist moss. Tie plastic a piece of plastic over the whole wad of moss and tie plastic at both ends.

Check about two or three weeks later and see if it has started rooting. When it gets some healthy root growth on it cut the limb off and plant it in a pot. Keep it in the pot until it is established, then plant it in your preferred location.

-- Stephanie Nosacek (possumliving@go.com), September 17, 2001.