"Nick Powell" wrote
This is my first post here, so please bear with me.
I’ve recently moved into a property and inherited a horrendously
overgrown garden, I’ve spent much of the past 4 months clearing out
rubble and removing a lot of overgrowth. The apple tree in the garden
doesn’t look to well and I don’t think it’s been looked after for a
number of years. I’ve included some pics:
http://www.conita.co.uk/Apple1.JPG
http://www.conita.co.uk/Apple2.JPG
http://www.conita.co.uk/Apple3.JPG
http://www.conita.co.uk/Apple4.JPG
http://www.conita.co.uk/Apple5.JPG
http://www.conita.co.uk/Apple6.JPG
“Apple1.jpg” is an overall shot of the tree and as you can see it’s not
been pruned in sometime, there are so many branches that are crossing,
touching and growing into the centre of the tree. Also, to the right
of the tree was a massive buddleia, which I’ve subsequently taken out
as it was forcing the tree to grow crocked to get sunlight and also
resulted in a number of branches on the right hand side growing
inwards. “Apple2.jpg” is a shot from the other direction.
“Apple 4.jpg” and “Apple5.jpg” show a number of brown growths and they
look to be growing where the tree has been previously pruned. Any idea
what these are?
“Apple5.jpg” and “Apple6.jpg” show the state of the bark on the tree,
which seems to be pretty poor.
I’ve no idea how old the tree is, what type of apples it produces or if
it will grow any larger? Although it’s growing a bit lopsided, it would
be quite nice to try and save the tree and give it a decent chance. My
concern is that it may be so bad that it’s a goner and I should look at
replacing it.
Any thoughts/ help would be much appreciated
That tree looks in a bad way, from what I can see it appears to have Apple
Canker.
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile...ple_canker.asp
Be very careful about sterilising any pruning equipment you use and dispose
of any cuttings carefully so as not to spread the infection.
Personally, in the condition it's in, I'd take it out and wouldn't plant
another anywhere near that spot. If I did want another apple I'd go for a
variety that is less susceptible like.... Laxton's Superb, Newton Wonder,
Bramley's Seedling, Lane's Prince Albert (it says in my book!)
--
Regards
Bob Hobden
17mls W. of London.UK