tops broken off bare root trees. But they are growing from base of tree. Will they be healthy and grow normal

Question

I ordered several bare root trees from a mail order company and when I recd them most were broken. I planted them anyway and though I haven't seen any sign of life from most of them. I have 2 that seem to be growing from the base of the tree or the roots. Are these trees going to grow normal even though the central stem is broken? I do well with plants but with trees I am a greenhorn. By the way, 2 are fruit trees and the others are shade trees. Thanks for any help

Answer 1

Will the two trees with new growth at he base be fine? yes

However, the result will prbably be that the old growth abovethe new growth will comletely die - this is normal - Trees have dormant buds along the trunk that grow if something happens to the rest of the tree - this is why stumps must be removed once a tree is cut down.

The problem is that you in effect now have two saplings.

So, if you purchased, say, several 4 foot tall trees, you really got two 6 inch trees.

It will be a very long time before the trees provide shade or fruit - about as long as if you planted these trees from seed.

While they will grow a little faster than a seed would since they have a full root system, it will take atleast 5 years before you have trees of any substantial size.

While grafting could also lead to different trees then you ordered, only some types of trees are grafted and mail order has nothing to do with whether they are grafted or not. Grafting is the least of your problems.

I would suggest contacting the seller - most reputable ones will replace the trees - just make sure to have pictures of the trees that show the damage.

I would not gt rid of the two you have, but be prepared for a long wait for them to grow.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Big problem here. Since you mail ordered them I would suspect that these trees are grafted. That is the root system is from a tree may have special disease resistance or maybe a dwarf to keep the over all tree small. If this is the case then what is sprouting from the base or roots is not the same as the grafted tree. It will probably be a tree that you do not want.

Answer 3

Trees normally start from the roots and grow upwards but if a empty birds nest that had some dirt inside and a seed dropped into it,could grow another tree plant. You could go to a place one day and see trees that appear to have grown upside down? It's an illusion.

Answer 4

If I were you I would get in touch with the mail order company and have them replace the trees. You paid for bare root trees, not for broken ones.

Answer 5

The ones that are growing from the bottom, their forms may look a little off with the central stem missing...some are prone to split down the middle when they get larger (depends how they shape up). I would suggest calling the company and letting them know what happened and see if they are nice enough to send replacements.

Answer 6

This tree has a will to live, it will be fine.

Answer 7

every chance they will come back as long as they are in the same enviroment.