Young Pine Tree Trunk Snapped With Snow And Ice

Question From: T. Buscaglia - ILLINOIS
Q: I have a young pine tree that is about 6/7 feet tall. During the course of the winter it became top heavy with snow and ice and the trunk snapped half way.(it would bend way over on numerous occasions). I have splinted,spliced and taped it . Being a young tree and spring is not yet here what are the chances it will survive,besides slim and none?? Thank You Tom

A:

Tom, I think you answered your own question. You may try to develop a new leader. Remove the broken top and take the next top branch and bind it in an upward position to the a 2 x 2 you have lashed to the trunk. After a period of time the branch should grow upright and become the new leader. That said, it may still look deformed and you may want to replace it. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.