This is my 1st post but i've really enjoyed reading everyones posts and learning from the experts
Hope to master the art of grafting - This Spring was my 1st try- so far my efforts don't seem to be taking.
I live in Biloxi - Mississippi Gulf Coast - zone 8
Planted a dorsett apple (from Lowes) in December - it put out new leaves and appeared to be doing ok - I bought an Anna in February and planted it close to the dorsett to experiment with grafting
The Anna is doing great but the dorsett seems to be dying -
Here are pics of the tree - any advice appreciated
TJ

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5171/apple1l.jpg
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/9459/apple2.jpg

I'm also on the gulf coast, just NW of Houston. I bought a Dorsett Golden last year from Lowes (potted) and planted it in June and it died I think due to stress and lack of water. However the one I planted this past winter (a 3-in-1) seems to be doing fine, so who knows.

Hope you're able to get some help...unfortunately I'm no expert and am just learning myself.

Also, shouldn't this be moved to the "fruit other than citrus" forum? Perhaps you'd get more help there.

thanks tim - how do i move is message?
my tree had plenty of water -it was doing well for about 2 months then leaves quickly began to yellow last week - thought it might be iron deficiency because of green veins and yellow space - but the anna within 2 feet is doing great
could this be a disease?
and should i remove it so as not to affect the anna?

Do a cleft graft on one branch using a scion from the dieing one. Then you won't have to buy another tree. Apples are very easy to graft.

Is now a good time to graft apples?

It is a good time on the Gulf Coast. Any later and it will be too hot!

my most succesful grafts have been from February threw april. though in reality i am still learning how

MrTexas - i'll give it a try - from reading other posts, I thought grafts had to be from dormant wood(scion) to stock that was just beginning to bud?
but i guess it can't hurt to try it now - apparently my dorsett is a lost cause?

Maybe the freeze in January killed/damaged it? Sometimes damage from a freeze only shows when the temperature is high.

Tri - I hadn't considered the freeze last winter- but you are probably correct.
One of our fig trees that I didn't cover also has several branches with drooping leaves.