our nectarine tree was too heavy and broke at the trunk can it be saved?

Question

The tree was growing lopsided and had no stakes to hold the weight of this year's fruit.  A smaller branch broke and then two days later, the entire tree was down.  The trunk cracked and several branches just fell beneath the heavy load of the fruit.  The nectarines are not entirely ripe, but I picked as many as I could.  Should I prune the downed branches and continue to le the fruit try to ripen, or do I need to just cut it down?

Answer 1

I have had 2 experiences with this same problem: once with a tree rose and once with my beloved fig tree.  In each situation I used the same solution and both have survived beautifuly!  I took pantihose and bound the area back together.  In my case, I was binding trunk and could tie quite tightly.  I have not had problems with the hose harming the trunk in the past 5 and 3 years, respectively. They have thrived as if nothing ever happened to them.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

If it were one of our trees....and that happened....we would take it down..........

if you plant on the windward side you have to stake them....next tree will be better.

Answer 3

We stake when we plant new fruit trees.  I would try trimming it and use spectricide tree repair spray on the open wound.  You must live where it is very warm.  We can't grow them here without a greenhouse.  Good luck with your tree.  Lighten the load on the branches by taking off extra fruit.