fruit trees

[Elaine Firth]

Hi everyone, new to the forum could anyone help solve my apple tree problem. we moved house and inherited a very old and very large apple tree. any ideas how and when to prune to get it a managable size. neighbours say it is very productive.

[Geordie]

This would be much easier to answer if we could see a picture...any chance?

[Palustris]

Useful sites
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile...fruit_tree.asp
http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_...er_2_apple.asp

[pickledtink]

If it's big you'll need something bigger than a pair of secateurs that's for sure.

[andrewo]

In these cases, it's best to get a tree surgeon in, if you don't mind losing the tree, prune off all dead wood after winter, cut back any crossing limbs to create a goblet shape or open fan. Prune back laterals to new buds or you can attempt ringing the tree to produce new growth.

[rustylady]

Hi everyone, new to the forum could anyone help solve my apple tree problem. we moved house and inherited a very old and very large apple tree. any ideas how and when to prune to get it a managable size. neighbours say it is very productive.

Hi Elaine, I've got one too (huge apple tree that is). My problem is that I live in a rented cottage, so I have to be a bit careful what I do as far as changing things. Landlord is quite happy so far, I've been here 3 years and have turned the lawn back into a lawn instead of a hayfield, re-dug and planted the borders, pruned the "mature" (estage agent speak for neglected and thoroughly overgrown) shrubs, but the apple tree defeats me.

It bears a huge crop of massive cooking apples which I give to everyone who will take them, make puree, pies, chutney and jam, but it really is too big for it's boots. I've done a bit of careful lopping, but it really does need proper pruning. I think a tree surgeon is the only answer, but landlord won't pay for it so I'll have to see how it goes.

I don't want to lose it, partly because of the fruit, but also because it gives the garden a real "cottage" feeling, and the birds (and squirrels) love it.

[Benacre]

The only advice I would give is. cut out dead diseased and crossed branches and open up the middle. Give it a good Tar wash. You may not get fruit this year but next year you will have lots. My idiom is: you can do what you like to a tree as long as you do not disturb the roots.
Ben

[Elaine Firth]

hello everyone that eplied, new to computing aswell so only just found out how to retrieve replys lots of help thanx to all who responded elaine

[littlemark]

Winter is probably a better time to do this kind of work, if only because you can see the structure of the tree better. Pruning an old tree like this is quite hard work, and you'll need a good ladder to get where you need to. Attempting this when in full leaf is often just not practical.

If you are going to attempt this yourself I would recommend a trip to the library in search of 'RHS Pruning - Christopher Brickell' which has a few pages on renovating a neglected tree, and more importantly, a good explanation of the basics of pruning, ie. why we do it. Another good book is 'The Fruit Garden Displayed' also by the RHS, any edition is good.

One bit of advice I have heard which acted as a guide when I did this job with our old Bramley last year, is that after pruning the tree shouldn't look very much different, but you should be able to see more light through the branches.

Best of luck, Mark

[Elaine Firth]

Hi Mark, thanks for your help, I am on my way to the book shop. from Elaine