Care for an old apple tree

[Watkins]

I have recently moved into a house with an old apple tree that has been neglected over the years. Its approximately 50+ years old. Last winter I removed about 1/3rd of the inward growth and crossing branches. I am also treating it for scab! Does anyone have any ideas on what pruning I should do this winter? Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks Andrew

[agg221]

Hi Andrew,

 

That isn't in too bad shape really - you've got a good eye for it, judging by the material you've already taken out.

 

Keep going really - I would suggest you use a renewal pruning method, deciding on which branches are your permanent framework and taking all the younger branches back over a three year cycle. If you use the 'search' facility on this site you should be able to find a link to the ATF's guidelines on renewal pruning.

 

For a garden tree, there's a certain amount of leeway between a hard pruned single layer 'orchard' look and a slightly softer, more tree-like form with a slightly more spherical shape overall. This tree is currently closer to the latter, but could be brought in harder if you want. Either will work in terms of tree health, a single tier will be easier to pick and give you slightly better ripening of fruit in the centre as the light gets through better.

 

I would suggest in spring clearing a circle about 3-4ft diameter around the base, mulching down with cardboard and compost or bark chippings over the top and using this as an area in which to apply a general purpose fertiliser - you're cutting back and it will benefit from something to help it regenerate, and crop.

 

Do you know which variety it is, and whereabouts are you?

 

Alec

[Watkins]

Hi Alec

 

Many thanks for your advice I really appreciate it. I dont have a clue what variety it is, any ideas on how I can find out? I live in Caerphilly, South Wales.

 

Will take a look at the ATF guide for renewal pruning. I am going to try a spray the tree next year to treat the scab

 

Thanks

Andrew

[slack ma girdle]

sned of off 3-4 apple to the Marcher apple network, they will be able to tell you what variaty it is. They charge a couple of quid.

Apples and Pears in the Southern Marcher Counties

[Watkins]

Will do thats great, thanks

[agg221]

Slack-ma-Girdle's suggestion will be definitive.

 

If you want a reasonable guess, the questions below might make it possible to home in on it.

 

Eater or cooker?

When is it ripe?

When it's ripe, have you tried keeping them and if so how long do they last?

What colour is the fruit (and is it single colour or flushed on one side)?

Is the fruit russetted at all?

What shape and size is the fruit?

 

If it's something fairly common, this might give a reasonable assessment, anything unusual will need specialist input.

 

Alec

[TMJ]

I agree with the suggestion of contacting the Marcher Apple Network. You might have already seen the Big Apple Day on 13th /14th October where there are huge displays of varieties ....and an apple ID service. This bit will be at Hellens (a historic house in Much Marcle) and they say to 'bring examples which include the stem and piece of branch and a leaf or two as these all help identification' (charge £2). It is a pleasant day out and not a million miles from you in Caerphilly. Be warned that you will probably end up buying apples you will never have heard of from the displays and leave with more ideas of making cider! I do not recommend calling in on farms on your way past that appear to grow apples. I know loads of apple farmers - they know their own fruit and how to manage it commercially but there are not many varieties grown this way in comparison to the vast array of apple types still growing in small orchards and gardens.

Tom

The Big Apple Association