Is this old apple tree beyond saving (I hope not)?

Hi

We moved to a new house this year and there is an apple tree behind the house that seems in quite a bad way. We were told it fell/collapsed a couple of years ago; hence the funny angle! There are so many branches on the tree. All of the lower ones are covered in moss and lichen, and a lot of them are weak and brittle and snap easily. There is what looks like some younger growth in the higher sections. In terms of apples, we had perhaps 10 or so this year. By all accounts it has been very productive in the past.

So, any tips on how to rescue the poor thing?

Many thanks

 

Hi trees can be strong although they look weak but as regards your tree i am not sure but maybe you could try pruning it in spring before new growth
Don't be too savage at first. Anything ancient deserves respect lol also you can plant some fennel by the tree as Fennel attracts bees and at the same time deters unwanted pests, particularly pests that spend part of their life cycle in the ground and water it
Not too often, but when you do give it a thorough soaking around the root line. But like i said it i am not sure about your tree so Maybe someone on the forum can better advise

 

A gardener that I have saved on my you tube page is one called Stephen Hayes, he has hundreds of videos covering all aspects of maintaining an apple orchard, I came across whilst seeking grafting info. Anyway, here is a group of his videos that will suit your present predicament "Restoring old apple trees" restoring old apple trees - YouTube

Hope this helps you a little, and it is worth a look for anyone else with an interest too.

Steve...

 

Well at least it will take your mind off the election etc. Jokeingly. Just imagine if we as gardeners could take cuttings and propagate politicians. So here we go. Boris. Vigorous growth,, bold very forcefull etc. Has some perhaps not so well liked aspects. So lets see. If I could pollinate him with, ???????????????? I wonder what the result would be.??????

 

Think Boris does all his own polinating, still, it could prove to be an interesting idea cutting him up to propagate more Johnsons....

Steve...

 

Hi the mind boggles lol

 

Now now Janet luv, remember you are of 'the Fairer sex' careful with those secateures, 'OUCH'

 

Hi mike ok think l leave boris cuttings alone lol those secateures are ouch indeed