Apple Tree

treesurfer In our local park I have often wondered about half fallen trees and further damage from pests and pathogens. Surprisingly they do survive in the most bizarre shapes and forms. As a best effort could the tree be back filled part way and considered a bonus for more convenient fruit picking :thumb:

 

I agree with mathew (treesurfer)

Polarding of mature trees is sadly all too common and not only looks hideouse but frequently results in the tree produceing tons of epicormic growth or simply never recovering. I have quite a few pictures of mature local trees that have been ruined by sutch incompetent practice.

As for council tree oficers, In my experience many will advocate total tree removal to cover thier backs when carefull crown reduction pruning or non invasive bracing would solve the problem.

Were a a proper opinion is needed you should either contact a reputable tree surgeon or arb consultant.

Back to the apple:

Sadly if the apple has gone over completly you will not save it, If it has gone over partly then you may be able to wedge it up to prevent it going further using a heavy suport but at best this will only prolong the inevitable.

 

You certainly dont like Tree Officers do you--As I say ours are OK, real enthusiasts but I do live in a conservation area, perhaps that makes a difference? You cannot touch a tree here without permission.

 

Hey Paul, sounds like good advice, albeit sad news for what was probably a good apple tree for many years.:(

 

I always hug them and apologise later :wink:

 

Hi Christine,

How tragic for you, how long have you known it? I have only been here four yrs and when my cherry had to come down I was devastated.


I am so sorry.

 

Sadly many tree officers have no actual PRACTICAL aboricultural experience. Further In sutch a letigouse society they have to cover backs and the advice given is not always impartial........

Obviusly as in any walk of life there are the good and bad but my experiences have not been posotive ones.

 

#
I wouldn't want to get that close, she may not have washed her hands properly!

 

Is that in Liverpool

 

:lollol::thumb:

 

Leaning trees or trees that have gone over gradually often remain quite healthy. It's trees that, as Christine says, collapse overnight that have problems. Leaning trees do suffer from tension & compression stresses to their internal structures which may not show externally, but there are subtle signs.

Filling in the soil around the base of the apple tree would not neccessarily stop any pests or pathogens if they are already in the soil.

 

:thumb: 70 years seems a reasonable age for an apple tree ?

 

Hi
At 70, your apple is entering the twilight of its fruiting life (it would have been grubbed out of a commercial orchard 15-20 years ago). If you don't know what it is, and you want more of the same, you can get a new one grafted from your old tree at Bernwode Plants. If you are sentiental, you can try and rescue it and I saw a really good blog post on how to deal with leaning fruit trees here

Good luck