Apple tree help/ saving a tall tree

8 years ago

We found an old apple tree in the woods in our back yard. the apples are small, about 1-1/2 " round maybe... anyhow the tree is really tall with no lower branches, it was surrounded by a lot of pricker bushes like Burning bush, wild rose and other thick vegetation... I cut it all back and the worst part was there was a pretty thick vine growing all the way up the tree, it was about 1-1/4" - 1-1/2" OD. I cut it at the ground to kill it then started cutting it in chunks to get it off the tree. once I get this vine totally off the tree it will be free of garbage that was killing it. then I have to chop down a couple other old trees that aren't apples, (I think they were maples) they are dead but covered in vines which are very much alive and blocking sun from hitting the apple down lower. if I do all this work, is there a chance some branches may sprout off the lower part of this tree? as it is now only the top has branches with fruit. its too high up to reach and to spray or fuss with. all the lower branches are dead. can I save it or should I just cut everything back, keep the tree and just let it do what its been doing for god knows how long? Probably feeding birds and squirrels.

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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

8 years ago

I must warn you that your tree is likely to suffer from severe scald now that you've gotten rid of the vines and the other trees. It's very much a damned if you do, damned if you don't type of situation. ;-(

I doubt that your tree will resprout lower on the trunk. If it does, the new growth may be epicormic sprouts, which tend to be weakly attached.

It's still a worthy project.

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Comments (8)

User
8 years ago
Since it's been there for so long, I'd leave it alone. As you said, it's in the woods, and the fruit is very small, probably feeding wildlife. Why bother? Are you planning on harvesting the fruit? Sometimes we have to leave a food source for wildlife as is, without interference. Our interventions can sometimes do more harm than good.
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
8 years ago
Saffron makes an excellent point!
cmzacker thanked rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
cmzacker
Original Author
8 years ago
Well, I did get rid of all the vines, hopefully it wont scald like rhizo said, we will have to see... But I do know that the vines were killing it. Between the wild grapes and whatever the other vines were, maybe Virginia creeper? (not sure) and the bigger woody vine and all the under growth surrounding it they wasn't helping things... I also chopped down two dead trees that were blocking a lot of sun from hitting it, hopefully that at least makes it come back to a little more healthier state. Funny that you mention the Wildlife because I just said that to my wife yesterday, even if we don't get any fruit from the tree, at least the wild life will have something to eat, Along with all our berries and nuts (Walnuts and Chestnuts) and pears....lol Anyhow, its nice to have the tree there and id love to see it do well even if it doesn't produce more than what it is doing now... its been on the property for god know how long and it would be a shame to let it go to pot if it can be helped. Thanks guys!
tim45z10
8 years ago
I would look and see if there is spot I could get another one going. When this one does kick the other will have a good head start.
Amaryllis H
8 years ago
If you cover the trunk it won't sun scald, and thinning will get you bigger apples next year. As for the wildlife, if it's a sour apple the squirrels won't be very interested if at all but the birds will be happy (and less destructive.)

My Fuji apple became badly shaded on one side by weed trees and I finally had them taken out 13 months ago. One apple branch that had looked dead in that shade still looks dead but the rest of them seemed to spring back to life this spring, filling out that whole side again--it was a pretty amazing transformation and I'm expecting to get a bumper crop next year. Good luck!
cmzacker
Original Author
8 years ago
I think its a Macintash... at least that's what they taste like, they are just small. hey, even if the tree doesn't come back as a producer of anything more than it is now... as long as it doesn't die im happy. lol We are thinking of planting a couple more in the yard. Id like some fresh apples to go with the Pears.
User
8 years ago
I have topped old neglected apple trees with good results but never take off more than half leaf production.

I would wrap or paint the now exposed trunk. Then dump on a couple inches & out to drip line of compost or composted manure.

Watch for waterspouts next growing season!

Apple tree help/ saving a tall tree

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

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Apple tree help/ saving a tall tree

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