Orange tree damage (forum)

gt12 starts with ...
Unfortunately my 3 year Lane Late Orange tree main leader snapped of during some wild weather we had recently. It had about 4 oranges on it that proved to be to weighty
for the tree to handle.
The branch that snapped off was big and bushy and had a lot of shoots on it. In its place now is some tape to protect it from where I cut it off.
I am now left with half the tree I did have. My question is should I rip this up and start again or just let it recover and will it recover to its former glory.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 8th May 2014 12:38pm

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About the Author gt12
Melbourne
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JohnMc1 says...
I'd remove all the small branches from around the graft union and leave it where it is. At least it's still nice looking and healthy. You are still ahead of a newly purchased one.

Time: 8th May 2014 2:02pm

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About the Author JohnMc1
Warnervale NSW
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A,C says...
The tree looks fine.It could do with some iron,best to get Chelated Iron, if you could get your hands on some chicken manure,spread a little around base.Im unsure of the mulch you have,keep lawn away at least 400mm away from trunk.Dont use any stones or woodchip mulches around this tree.I usually mulch with leaves mixed 50/50 with lawn clippings no thicker than 35mm thick and keep it away from trunk,you could mix in old chicken in this.

Time: 8th May 2014 5:13pm

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About the Author AC1
Cowandilla,South Australia
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gt12 says...
If you look closely you will be able to see a chicken feather or two giving you a hint at the type of added ingredient I use from the backyard with lawn clippings :)

Time: 8th May 2014 7:49pm

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Original Post was last edited: 8th May 2014 7:49pm
About the Author gt12
Melbourne
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Mike Tr says...
gt12 it looks good to leave it and the mulch and chicken droppings are great.You don't need to fertilise until it warms up and then around a 9:3:6 blend is good for citrus once in a while especially after harvest. Micros help when trees are young if you are keen but leaves are green and you soil is probably alright.
The root system is already developed and top will flush and catch up fast.Some people defruit until the tree gets a bit bigger.

Time: 8th May 2014 8:01pm

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About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
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Brain says...
Give it a year, it should return to it's former glory. Citrus does respond to a bit of pruning anyway. By next spring, you should get plenty of new shoots.

Time: 8th May 2014 9:16pm

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About the Author Brain
Brisbane
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