Damaged Apple Tree

[hamsterhead]

Good Afternoon

I've just had an apple tree delivered which unfortunately has a broken branch, (its about 18inches long). To do a repair do I need to use specialist gardeners sticky tape or will normal tape or a medical plaster suffice?


Pete

[sarraceniac]

I assume, at this time of year, it is potted, Hamsterhead. I would just tend to let it go unless the 'branch' (I assume it is pretty thin) is not fully broken off. If it is only half broken and is still hanging on then certainly try to re-graft it. Even sellotape will do. Our resident fruit tree expert, FB, may have more technical advice for you but as a rough and ready, that is what I would do.

[hamsterhead]

Thank you. Its not potted yet although its in compost.

[sagegreen]

In my view it would depend on how important the broken branch is to the structure and shape of the tree. Not really an answer to your question, but would suggest you contact the supplier and ask their advice

[littleexperience]

i have had this problem before hamsterhead by mail order trees but tend to be of small branches which i just pruned of at a outward facing bud i would just do the same if it was a large branch prune of at a outward facing bud after all your apple tree once in the ground will grow quite quickly and you will harly notice it was prunned this october

[FB.]

As long as the bark remains intact on one side, you might be able to use some electricians tape to tightly bind the split back together. Remove the tape during the winter. Don't let the branch bear fruit for a couple of seasons or it will break under the weight.
It is possible that the branch will die, or become infected - but if you need to save it to keep a nicely shaped tree then it's worth a go.

If the branch is not important, just prune it back to an undamaged bud and it'll re-grow eventually, although it may form flower buds, which will stunt its re-growth unless you pinch them off during the winter.

[hamsterhead]

Thank you all for your advice. I potted it up yesterday evening and taped up the broken bit. Put my arm around it and gave it a "there there there" without the nice cup of tea. Hopefully it will mend with no problems.