Cheap Malus (Crabapple)

I purchased this crabapple and pot last August at our club auction for $6.00. The pot is nothing special. The tree was in bad shape but I figured a pot for $6 bucks, how could I go wrong. I stuck it in the ground (pot and all) to overwinter. I just dug it up and repotted and wired it. I'm a novice so if you think something incorrect or the tree should be tossed just let me know. Also if anyone know the variety ?

Hi Tom
What’s going on with the base of the trunk? It looks odd in the pic. Have you thought about replanting it back in the ground for a few years to add some bulk to the trunk? Stick in a pot comes to mind at the moment (No offence intended) Your wiring looks fine with what you’ve had to work on. Personally I’d plant it back in the ground for a few years then go from there.

I'd also get some larger wire and put a bend in that lower trunk. But putting it in the ground or a bigger pot is a very good idea. If you do that, though, remove the wire. It'll grow pretty fast in he ground once it gets started.

Fuzzy wrote:Hi Tom
What’s going on with the base of the trunk? It looks odd in the pic. Have you thought about replanting it back in the ground for a few years to add some bulk to the trunk? Stick in a pot comes to mind at the moment (No offence intended) Your wiring looks fine with what you’ve had to work on. Personally I’d plant it back in the ground for a few years then go from there.

Thanks No offense taken. Last fall I almost tossed the tree, but stuck it in the ground. Here is a pick of the base. It you think it worthwhile I can certainly plant it back in the ground.

JimLewis wrote:I'd also get some larger wire and put a bend in that lower trunk. But putting it in the ground or a bigger pot is a very good idea. If you do that, though, remove the wire. It'll grow pretty fast in he ground once it gets started.

Thanks Jim!!

AH so there’s damage to the trunk if mine eyes do not deceive. By planting it in the ground that it’ll heal up in no time. I agree with Jim too with regards to introducing a bend in the lower trunk which could be achieved by cutting back to the lowest bud perhaps.