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Is this new Hawthorn tree diseased? Looks worrying.

ronsunronsun Posts: 4
in Problem solving

Hi,

I recently purchased a new tree - Hawthorn 'Paul's Scarlet'  which is one I have wanted for some years now.

It was the last one in stock and was nice and tall, looked healthy, so I went for it.

However, on planting it, I noticed that the bottom 6 - 8 inches of the main trunk is scabby and a different colour to the rest of the trunk. I'm now worried it's got some sort of disease. Please see the pictures. Any info/advice is appreciated

Many thanks,

Chris

 

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Posts

  • ronsunronsun Posts: 4

    Here is a full view of the tree.

    image

     

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,786

    Paul's Scarlet is usually grafted onto a hawthorn rootstock and what you see is the grafting point.  I'm sure it'll be fine.   It looks as if when the graft was made the tree was bound tightly until the graft took and the binding has since been removed.  This is normal practice.

    Be sure to remove any suckers that come from below the graft as they will be ordinary white hawthorn and will outgrow the grafted variety. image

    The graft point is always a weak spot on a trunk, and I think I would support it with a diagonal stake tied above the graft, just in case of strong winds in the future.  Check the tie regularly throughout the growing season.  The sort of support I mean is shown here https://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=208 

    Enjoy your tree image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ronsunronsun Posts: 4

    That's a big relief, thank you! and thanks for the info on the additional support. I'll be sure to do this.

    Cheers

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,150

    It looks  bit  rough though doesn't it. Where did you get it from?

    I don't like the bottom of the trunk being narrower than that further up.

    Or the bark damage.

    I assume from the bark colours that the graft is quite high and all those damages will be a source of suckers. 

    I have no experience of grafted trees, but that just doesn't look good to me



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,786

    I agree Nut, the fact that the rootstock is narrower than the grafted shoot is a point of weakness which is why I suggested the stronger support - but I've seen similar grafts even up in time.  

    I've seen lots of grafted hawthorns (lots planted on urban verges)  with suckers from the graft and below - I think it's the nature of the beast image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,150

    I'll stick with species I think. Though Hawthorns are inclined to throw out branches anywhere they feel like it. Little tufts appear on the trunks anywhere there's been a minor damage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • ronsunronsun Posts: 4

    Thanks both.
    I got it from Yarnton Nurseries in Oxfordshire. Still havent made a decision but am leaning towards taking it back. I did email them some time ago, which they have read as i got a read receipt (21st April 2014), but they havent responded. I pointed them to this thread so they could see the photos and perhaps give an opinion but they haven't, even though I told them i had a disability so it is a pain bringing it back but i would get someone to do so if needed, hoping they would comment. I will ring them but have been holding out for an email response.
    Again thanks for your advice, it's greatly appreciated.

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