Apple tree saving/ pruning

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Loofah, Nov 26, 2022.

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  1. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

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    Very helpful. This is not a newly planted tree, it's well established and been neglected. I was wondering if someone had a nifty tip to bring it back into a pretty goblet shape without going to town with a saw.
     
    Loofah, Nov 28, 2022
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  2. infradig

    infradig Gardener

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    OK, then.
    Form your ideal shape in re-bar and overlay. Prune and tie in to perfect. Kind of three dimensional espalier. Post photos of progress.
     
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      infradig, Nov 28, 2022
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    • Loofah

      Loofah Admin Staff Member

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      Like a large bonsai!
       
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        Loofah, Nov 28, 2022
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      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        Sounds a bit more complicated than just pulling it upright.:biggrin:
         
        pete, Nov 28, 2022
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      • Loofah

        Loofah Admin Staff Member

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        It sure does!
         
        Loofah, Nov 28, 2022
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      • Sheal

        Sheal Total Gardener

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        The trunk isn't that wide and with give in the roots I'd go for bringing it upright. I'd loosen the soil around the roots, pull it upright and stake it in place. Back fill soil if necessary round the roots and then prune it to a reasonable shape. Hopefully, it will develop new branches and a better shape over the next few years. Nothing ventured....:)
         
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          Sheal, Nov 28, 2022
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        • noisette47

          noisette47 Total Gardener

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          No need to be sniffy :biggrin: Perhaps you'd find this helpful? It's one of the most sensible RHS articles I've seen in a long time.....Apples and pears: pruning made easy / RHS Gardening Short of taking out the main central upright, though, (which is risky from a disease point of view) you're not going to be able to form a goblet shape. Chris Bowers devotes some space to pyramid apple growing and pruning which might be more helpful .....Guide of how to cultivate Apple and Pear trees - Chris Bowers and Sons
           
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            noisette47, Nov 29, 2022
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          • Loofah

            Loofah Admin Staff Member

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            This is what I'm thinking of doing. Not sure I can achieve a reasonable shape out of the sprawl of branches but as others have said, it's a long term fix!
             
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              Loofah, Nov 29, 2022
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