leaning apple tree

16 years ago

I have 3 semi-dwarf apple trees, all in a row. They are about 10-15 yrs old and 18-20 ft tall. They are about 20' from the edge of the forest and as a result, they all have a slight lean to them (about 15 degrees) as they look for a little more sun.

This past winter, the center tree, dropped to about a 45 degree lean for no apparent reason. Maybe the slight lean they all have combined with my sandy soil will cause them all to fall at some point?

How would I go about winching this thing back up to it's original 15 degree lean to match the others?

Thanks!

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Comments (6)

katrina1
16 years ago
I thought semi dwarf trees only were supposed to grow 15 feet tall. If I am wrong and a semi-dwarf apple which is not pruned to remain short can grow to 20 feet tall, how tall would a full sized apple tree grow?

Concerning the tree which dropped to a 45 degree lean, I do not see why you could not wench it back to the lean it had before it dropped so much this past winter. Then do what it takes to cable support the tree so it does not fall again.

Maybe your other leaning trees should be cable supported also, so they do not drop more.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
16 years ago
sand is one of the best soils for trees ... it did not cause the problem ....

it would seem there are some kind of root problems .. in that a 10 to 15 year old tree .. ought to be able to hold itself up ...

the forest trees are only going to get bigger .... i would .. if i was attached to apples .... plant a new set .. perhaps of a better variety ... further from the forest ... where they can thrive ....

and plan on letting the others slowly fade away ...

this way .. you get some production.. while the replacements grow to production size ...

in my zone 5 ... first two weeks of april is PRIME TREE PLANTING TIME .. for bare root stock ... which mail orders VERY EASILY .... perhaps a post to the fruit forum.. might get you a bead on the newest and best varieties ...

good luck

ken
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A picture would help. Without that I'd suggest a support under the tree. This could be something like a 2x4 or 4x4 depending on the size of the tree. I'd put a footing underneath so it doesn't sink into the ground. Also you might try to lift the tree some when the soil is wet and fit the brace under that. A smaller tree could be staked and pulled upright towards the stake. It takes a big deep stake to hold the tree. You could even do both, stake on one side and brace on the other.
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lucky_p
16 years ago
Katrina,
Have a look at the article from Ed Laivo(who shows up here on the GW forums from time to time) linked below about rootstock effects, dwarfing, etc. Interesting, funny, and true.
Paraphrasing Ed in answer to your question: 'Standard tree - will become as large as an apartment complex. Please purchase additional property for planting.'

Like Ken, I have some concern about root integrity on a 15-yr old tree that suddenly leaned that far over. I have several apples in my orchard that leaned progressively more and more each year, necessitating straightening and propping up, but that was a problem from the outset - M111 understock, a windy unprotected site, and high water table combined to result in poor anchorage and severe leaning.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dwarf Tree? But it's so BIG!?!
pineresin
16 years ago
I'd be inclined to leave it be. I've seen plenty of very old orchards with trees at all angles down to lying nearly recumbent on the ground, yet still growing and producing good crops of apples.

Trying to straighten it up just risks breaking more roots and reducing its health. Also think of the advantage of easier harvesting from lower branches!

Resin
katrina1
16 years ago
The attached link of Ed Laivo's "Dwarf tree but it's too big" document, certainly appears to present some sound and realistic facts.

Thanks Lucky p for linking it for me in your reply post.

L. D.'s candor is very good.
Just to help remind me to avoid drawing comclusions, or making plans out of a state of idealistic thought patterns, maybe I should print the link off, laminate it, and post it near my gardening work-area.
katrina1
16 years ago
Great, now I have more confirmation that the semi- dwarf Lapin Cherry tree I want to plant in my front yard will be able to be kept limbed up so once it reaches 15 to 20 or more feet tall it could still allow a nice ratio of front house view, while still offering a great Spring flower display, a good food source for the bees and birds, and a nice amount of ground litter, which should break down into enough mush that can help add lots of humas to the soil beneath the tree.

Prune Prune, Prune: a nice activity to do for this tree, in the hottest part of Summer.

Hope it's root stock will be strong enough to not need staking even 10 or more years away. Hopefully the nursery where I am about to purchase this tree from, can reveal for me the name of this tree's root stock, so I can research more concerning that issue I hope not to have with the tree.

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leaning apple tree

Comments (6)

katrina1

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

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