On 27/08/2014 16:15, Ophelia wrote:


"Ophelia" wrote in message
...

This is where a photo would help, if poss. Promise to have another look
tomorrow and fill in anything I missed.

Will do. Thank you

Hi Spider

Here are some pics as promised:

apple
http://tinypic.com/m/i6kxms/3

The new shoots and branches are well below the fruiting top and there is
a big gap between both.



It is very sparse, isn't it?! Not just few branches, but few leaves,
too. I'm slightly concerned that the tree appears to be right by paving
slabs or perhaps steps, with grass growing fairly close to it. The
first may prevent water, and therefore nutrients, reaching the tree.
The second is certainly taking nutrients and water from the tree. Even
if the growth were better balanced, you could expect to get 'bitter pit'
in your apples. This occurs when the tree cannot take up enough
calcium. Usually, the calcium is in the soil, but shortage of water
prevents the tree from taking advantage of it in the dissolved form it
needs. If you've had bitter pit in your apples, you will know about it,
because it renders them inedible.

As to pruning, you certainly need to cut back that leader in winter.
There is a significant lower branch crossing and potentially rubbing the
main trunk, or so it appears. You will need to cut this back as far as
the rising upright branch with which it makes a 'V' shape. You will
also need to take out the much smaller branch on the right which is
growing towards the trunk. It appears that the tree has not been well
pruned before, as I'm seeing dead or dying stubs left from old pruning
cuts, and even a tear in the bark higher up where a branch has been
pulled away, rather than cut. All these should be cut out or back to
clean wood, if possible.

Apart from that, I would leave it alone and see how it responds. It is
a mistake to remove too much wood at once. Do your pruning in winter
when the tree is dormant. In Spring, when it starts to put on growth,
give it a feed with general purpose fertiliser. When it starts to
produce fruitlets, give it a high potash feed and keep it well watered.

Sorry, had to do this is in a hurry. Husband Thingy serving dinner!
Hope what I've said makes sense. I'll look in later in case of
questions. (I may have to do the other shrubs/tree on Friday).



plum
http://tinypic.com/m/i6kxoi/3

Once again the new shoots are well below the main top

holly
http://tinypic.com/m/i6kxnr/3

This is one new shoot but there are others on the other side. This was
the most clear to show.

cotoneaster
http://tinypic.com/m/i6kxno/3

I suspect this is self explanatory I am not sure why the trunk grew
around like this! The wrapping on the side is there because my latest
dog decided it was a tasty place to chew!!!

Thanks for looking if you have the time, but if you haven't, don't worry

Ophelia

ooops forgot the hydrangea



--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay