Pruning Apple Trees.

[ffion]

Hello everyone, I'm new and have just joined. I need to prune an old apple tree that hasn't been touched for about twenty years!! It is still producing a fair crop but the apples are not good quality. The variety of apple is Keswick Codling which the RHS identified for me. Can I prune it myself or do I need expert help. I am also going to graft onto new rootstock. Many Thanks

[andrewo]

Pruning

Pruning old trees can bring them back into use but be wary, you need to get a good goblet shape going and remove any criss crossing branches. Suggest you look at the following:
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile...plepruning.asp
I also suggest that you read up on viruses that effect fruit trees, it will be a surprise that any tree this old will not have canker or rot (this will need to be checked and any infected branches burnt). Do remember to seal any cuts as you are giving an established tree a big shock.

As for grafting, do check out the RHS site and ask them for advice, this seems simple but trust me you can destroy the tree easily this way.

Andrewo

[nick the grief]

Hi FFi

Sorry about that, just couldn't resist. Rather that graft this on to a new rootstock and possibly transfer disease, maybe you'd be better to buy a new one. I have to admit that I don't know much about apples apart from pies & crumbles Try looking at Brogdales website as they hold the national collection of apples, I'm sure they'd have one.

Best of luck & let us all know how you get on.