Crabapple Tree Buds Did Not Bloom And Look Brown And Dry

Question From: A. Almanza - NEW MEXICO
Q: My crabapple tree had lots of flower buds but just a few of them bloomed this year. The rest of the buds look brown and dry. My irrigation system was not functioning properly. I don't know if the tree was over watered or under watered. Can I still have hope of these dry buds reviving? Is the tree permanently damaged?

A: The buds are probably dead. You will just have to wait and see if the tree leafs out. I would water your tree using a soaker hose or a hose end bubbler every couple of weeks if it does not rain. Irrigation systems rarely provide enough moisture for mature trees to thrive. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy