Crabbapple cultivars tested as street trees: second report

Seventeen crabapple (Malus) cultivars planted under utility wires in 27 communities were evaluated as street trees. [UMN]

"Seventeen crabapple (Malus) cultivars planted under utility wires in 27 communities were evaluated as street trees. In most communities, 2 cultivars were alternated within each of several plots. Cooperators in the Municipal Tree Restoration Program used standardized methods to measure them annually at the end of the growing period for 3 years and periodically afterwards until the ninth year in some cases. Many differences were found in growth rate, height, crown width, and trunk diameter. Most cultivars had healthy foliage, though some injuries were caused by apple scab and several insects. Basal sprouts were common, and low branching of broader cultivars also required periodic pruning especially in confined spaces. Centurion®, Harvest Gold®, Red Jewel®, ‘Spring Snow’, and Sugar Tyme® are recommended as street trees based on the most extensive data. ‘Adams’, ‘Donald Wyman’, ‘Prairifire’, ‘Red Barron’, and zumi ‘Calocarpa’ also appear promising." [Abstract]

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