Below. Looks like a sucker, to me.

Also, it looks like your tree was planted too high, I see exposed roots. You might add more soil.

We will remove the sucker today and add more soil.

Thanks so much!

Suzi

I wouldn't add much more soil. That is right at the root flare. Having some roots on the surface is OK and even desirable. But having too much space for air to get under may not be so good.

My freaking Anna never lost all its leaves, and still hasn't come out of dormancy either. She'd better hurry up and get some canopy going...its getting pretty warm out there...the loquots were drooping yesterday afternoon. Speaking of which you might want to get that trunk painted white in 9b.

Good advice about the white latex! We'll get on it.

Our Anna never lost any leaves either. Then she bloomed and now she's loaded with blooms and apples.

The new baby must have been in cold storage. Could take some time for the bare root to wake up.

Thanks!

Suzi