Problem tree...

[mphenwood]

Please look at my album 'problem tree'. the story behind it is as follows: On his retirement my netx plot alotmenteer said i could have the three trees from his plot. the tree pictured is reputed to have been in the ground for about five years it could be apple, plum or greengauge. My query is there seems to be an odd jucture towards the top of the trunk (pictured). I suspect that this is where the fruit tree was grafted onto the rootstock (but i could be very wrong). So, whichpart of the stem is fruit tree and which is rootstock, and how do i prune it.

Any explanation and advice would be gratefully received.

Regards
Martin Henwood

[FB.]

Album? I can't see an album?
Any chance of a direct link to take us straight there?

[mphenwood]

not sure how to put a link on, but i think you should be able to see it if you go to my profile.

i realy would appreciate some help with this tree.

thanks
Martin

[seasprout]

not sure how to put a link on, but i think you should be able to see it if you go to my profile.

i really would appreciate some help with this tree.

thanks
Martin

Looking at your pic, it is definitely a graft that you mention, however there appears to be another graft lower down in the 'normal' area for a graft, I think you might have something called a Family tree. This is where several cultivars on the same rootstock. If it is...... then it might become more obvious when its flowers, such as different coloured flowers, different flowering times... different fruit.

[FB.]

It might be a family tree; multiple trees grafted into one.
I would see whether the different branches flower or fruit at different times, or have different colours/sizes of flowers or fruit.
After that, you'll be in a much better position to decide what to do with the tree.
Family trees often need to be managed more carefully, since one of the varieties usually tries to outgrow the others.
Take note of which branches do what and prune accordingly, next winter.

For now, just cut out any branches or twigs that are badly damaged, or dying, or dead, or rubbing against each other.

Upright-growing branches, such as the obvious one in your picture, tend to be vigorous and unfruitful. I'd be tempted to cut back that strong upright to a point where there are one or more well-placed branches growing outwards, rather than upwards - horizontal branches are much more fruitful and much less vigorous.
If the tree fights back from the cutting back of the branch, in late July you should completely cut out any new green shoots from that branch which grow upright.

[mphenwood]

Thanks for the replies, I will watch this tree with interest. If it is a family tree, what am I likely to get from it.

Hopefully this is the link FB spoke of: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...8-dsc00884.jpg.

Regards
Martin.