Central Florida experienced freezes unlike anything we have seen in decades. Many gardeners with tropical and even sub-tropic plants suffered many losses. Now that it has been a few weeks, some plants are starting to rebound. It is very important with many trees to check where you begin to see new growth coming form. Many trees, especially fruit trees, are grafted on to special root stock to help the success of the tree in different soil types. When a tree experiences a freeze, sometimes the new growth comes back in normal branches and stems. But, sometimes new growth emerges near the base of the trunk.

It is important that we are checking where exactly that new growth is coming from in comparison to the tree's graft line. All plant tissue below the graft line is part of the root stock. All plant tissue above the graft line is called the scion and is the specific species and cultivar that we paid for when buying the tree. If new growth comes back below the graft line, it will have the same growth habit, flowering, and fruit production of the root stock. If the new growth is coming back above the graft line.... Good News! That new growth is the plant we bought it for and will carry over the same traits.

Here is a video we made explaining and showing this a little better. Hope your garden is booming again! God bless.