Dead branches on apple tree.

[waterworks]

We have access to a long abandoned orchard, it's not our land but this apple tree is a huge producer so we want to give it some care in return. It has a number of dead branches, should we saw them off , if so when do we do it and do we treat the stumps with anything ? 

[Peasgood]

Best time is after the leaves have fallen off the tree. I guess strictly speaking as it is dead it makes no difference but I'd still do it in winter rather than now.

I don't think there is anything available these days that is worth painting on the cut, not sure there ever was tbh. Mercury based stuff did work well when cutting out disease but for obvious reasons that is long gone.

[slack ma girdle]

2 hours ago, waterworks said:

We have access to a long abandoned orchard, it's not our land but this apple tree is a huge producer so we want to give it some care in return. It has a number of dead branches, should we saw them off , if so when do we do it and do we treat the stumps with anything ? 

If the tree is producing huge amounts, then leave it alone. It is quite happy,  and the bits of dead wood are potentially important habitat for rare beasties and fungi .

My apple trees are the most unloved trees in Pembrokeshire with loads of broken branches, dead wood, and no pruning.

All fruit prolifercally.

Buggering around with a mature tree will just stimulate vigorous regrowth, and become counter productive.