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What can I do to revive my struggling crabapple tree?

Don Kinzler, NDSU Extension-Cass County, advises removing a struggling flowering crabapple tree exhibiting severe trunk damage and less than half growth compared to three healthy siblings in the same row.
Winter sunscald likely caused the significant crack-type wound years ago when the tree was young; on sunny winter days, sunshine reflecting off bright snow causes bark cells to rupture when temperatures plummet.
Extensive damage and dead limbs indicate poor recovery prospects; although the tree might limp along for a few years, Kinzler notes the odds of enjoying a long life are extremely thin.
Removing the tree prevents wasting effort, as sprouts arising from the base rarely become worthwhile trees; luckily, the other three crabapple trees remain healthy and full, escaping similar damage.
Kinzler also offers broader gardening guidance, including raising lawn mowing heights to three inches for root health and removing rhubarb flower stalks to conserve plant energy for leaf development.

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