Fruitwise guide to pruning-the neglected apple tree

[peanutcat10]

I've been watching and really enjoying your videos. I have never pruned or grafted before but i have noticed trees in my yard which are very neglected. I mean old trees that are at least ten feet tall. Can i do anything with these or are they too big?

[stephenhayesuk]

@peanutcat10 there is usually something you can do. I have put up some videos on this channel about resoting a neglected backyard orchard, there are some big trees there. You may find the videos helpful

[Teorispa]

What did you mean when you said you were "going to cut the whole thing out later"? Were you going to remove it from the earth or were you counting on filming the sawing part of the pruning and finishing it off camera?

It seems a waste to remove it.

[stephenhayesuk]

The whole thing's gone. It was a forgotten and neglected roostock in the wrong place, I pruned it as a demo and later cut it down. Don't worry, it didn't suffer and I have more trees than I can care for.

[Teorispa]

That's for sure.

[iotadial]

i can't wait to give my apple tree a real chance to bear fruit this year, thank you so much for the vid!

[jewelledexquisite]

I have found your guides to pruning apple trees invaluable! Do the same principles apply to Pear trees?

[stephenhayesuk]

Thanks Jewell

in general, yes. space, light, air, balance, remove dead and crossing/overcrowded wood etc.

pears are generally better grown as pyramids, I am less experienced with pears but planted some last year and have made, but not yet posted, a video sowing the early initital training for pyramids.

of course each tree is an individual and there is no substitute for appreciating the general principles and applying them thoughtfully in each case, especially neglected old trees

[jewelledexquisite]

Much appreciated. Thanks for you reply Stephen!!

[stephenhayesuk]

That's a really good question ekkar. Basically, the principles are the same, but you have to go up the tree on a ladder, something to be very careful about doing.

Saw out overcrowded, crossing and diseased branches (see my 'using the saw' video, also pruning the Bramley parts 1 and 2) and try to get the tree to the right shape.

Bear in mind, its hard to manage such trees for optimimum fruit production, many people like to have a real big old tree like that just for beauty and wildlife.

[MadBadVoodo]

Killer Vid!

Five Stars!!