Question
My crabapple tree is blooming beautifully right now, and the leaves look healthy; however, the trunk has lots of damage like something was working on the bark, and this year for the first time the top branches look dead.  I live in Vermont, and the tree is about 7 years old.

Answer
Hi Joan:
From your description, your tree may have an insect infestation.  There are some boring type insects that "drill" into the bark.  Sometimes we will see a clear mass of sap that comes out of the hole.  It looks like a clear gum.  This gum is a defense mechanism for the insect.  If this fits your symptoms, check with your local nursery about appropriate insecticide options. The problem arises with getting the insecticide to the insect inside the wood. Check with your local county Extension office or garden center for some options.

Regards
Steve