Erik A. Draper, Ohio State University Extension, Geauga County; James A. Chatfield, Ohio State University Extension, Northeast District/Horticulture and Crop Science; and Kenneth D. Cochran, Secrest Arboretum of The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, and Ohio State University Extension.
The diversity and versatility of ornamental crabapples are useful to landscape designers in creating specific effects in the landscape. Crabapple tree forms range from small rounded shade trees to spreading weepers. Bud and flower colors create a welcome and popular springtime attraction.
The fruit effect develops as the fruit ripens in summer and fall and persists as long as the colored fruit clings to the branches, on many trees, all the way into winter.
In order to select the proper tree for the emphasis or desired effect, a profile of total aesthetics for each crabapple is necessary. Total aesthetics includes the overall impact of fruit, flowers, foliage, tree form, growth rate of each crabapple selection, and the effects of pests and diseases.
Forty-six crabapple taxa (the original Crablandia plot) growing at the Secrest Arboretum on The Ohio State University's Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center Wooster, Ohio, campus were evaluated monthly from August 1993 to August 2000. An additional 14 crabapple taxa were added and evaluated there from August 1997 to August 2000.
A new Crablandia II plot at Secrest Arboretum, which presently includes 65 taxa, was established in 1998, and evaluations began in June 2001.
The results of these evaluations are presented in this report, which is intended for use by nurseries, garden centers, landscape architects, landscapers, and homeowners. This information can assist in providing an accurate profile of each tree's features within the specific growing conditions of northeastern Ohio.