Snow-bent limbs permanently damaged
: I read your article in the paper about some of the trees damaged by the snow storm. The tops of our two African sumacs were all bent down with snow for almost a week. We didn’t have any broken limbs. My husband and I finally got out there and propped up and tied up the limbs as best we could so that they were at least facing out or up rather than down. We used brown medium-sized rope.
We can’t tell if the trees will make it or not. They don’t look any different than they did before the storm other than they are not tall anymore. Should we fertilize or water? Will they ever grow upwards again or do we need to cut off all the limbs?
A: The trees will definitely make it, but the form has been permanently changed until new growth starts in the spring. The new growth will try to regain its natural form. Each tree has its own form and, if left unpruned, will grow into that form.
If this were me, I would remove any major limbs that are in the way or damaged and then stop. I would then let the tree start to regrow and give it a chance to re-establish a new canopy. It will, on its own, grow back toward the light and try to fill voids in the canopy.
As you see new growth filling these areas, you can remove any small-diameter, unwanted growth anytime during the next year. If you need to removed any major limbs (maybe those more than 1 inch in diameter), I would wait until the following winter to do it.
When cutting, make sure your pruners and saws are sharp and have been sterilized with alcohol. Make clean cuts at “crotches” or where limbs come together. Cuts should remove an entire branch at the crotch. You do not need pruning paint unless it bothers you not to use some. The tree doesn’t care but you might.
Q: Which fruit trees are best for Las Vegas and do not need a pollinator?
A: Some of the easiest fruit trees to grow here are apricots. They will require the least amount of care and make a nice landscape tree as well. You might also consider almonds and genetic dwarf peach such as Bonanza or Pix Zee. Fruit from genetic dwarf peaches are normally not as good as the fruit from full-sized trees.
They will still need adequate water, fertilizer and pruning; the peach and apricot will require some additional pruning. There are no fruit trees that are maintenance free.
Bob Morris is an associate professor with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. Direct gardening questions to the master gardener hot line at 257-5555 or contact Morris by e-mail at morrisr@unce.unr.edu.