On 23/2/09 19:12, in article
,
" wrote:


From the shape & condition of this tree as well as its likely age - it
looks like it's been 'rescued' several times before. It's badly
misshapen, is rotting in more than 1 places, is not a good fruiter &
would need to be savagely cut back to even last another few years.
I've been told by the tree surgeon & also an experienced professional
gardener that it's on it's way out.

Frankly - it's a pretty sorry thing and while it might be technically
possible to prolong its life by another couple of years, to be honest
in my books it's time has come, so any advice on replacement would be
welcome.

Regards,

Michael

If you live in the right place I'd suggest a Crinodendron hookerianum which
will take temps down to about -7C. It's evergreen and if you don't know it
already, has lovely red lantern like flowers. It grows to around 20'
eventually. Hoheria sexstylosa is another lovely, graceful and 'airy' tree
with white flowers in August that are scented. Again it's not hardy in the
coldest areas. Camellias are lovely and you can always plant a late
flowering Clematis at their base which will use the Camellia as a frame to
climb through, giving you two lots of colour at different times of year.
Hornbeams are attractive smallish trees (look for Carpinus betulus and the
form Fastigiata is lovely if you want something on the narrow upright style)
And of course, you could always plant another apple tree!
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon
Perennials & shrubs online