I planted 3 apple trees in a row last year, gala then honey crisp then gala. A deer came through over winter and rubbed one gala and knocked it down (honestly I did t think that one would make it anyways), then moved on to the honey crisp and gave it a good rub removing some of the bark. Now that leaves are starting to form, it appears that from the rub up, there are no leaves on the honey crisp but towards the ground leaves and branches are growing abundant. I broke off a twig from the upper part of the tree and it appears there is some green in the twig but I'm wondering if the upper is pretty much dead. If so, if I top it, will the rest grow taller or is the whole thing pretty much a lost cause? Our soil is great, I don't know if that makes a difference. I can use any suggestions as I know my vegetables but have limited experience with trees. I have attached a couple pictures for reference. Thank you in advance for your help!
