restore old apple tree part 5

Another demonstration of the concept of removing whole branch systems from the centre of a mature apple tree which has become overcrowded, to restore the tree to balance (remember the very first pruning video I put up a year ago-each year you want new growth, fruit bud formation and fruit IN BALANCE. With an overcrowded old tree like this the balance needs to be restored. removing crowded central wood will stimulate new growth and bud formation which require light and space)

In fact Julia later got up the tree with a ladder and did some more thinning of overcrowded smaller branches. The principle is the same, but always begin with 2 or 3 large whole-branch cuts, then you can see better for the final tidying up. I show this on one of the videos, ideally watch all of this set to get a feel for restorative pruning of big old trees like this which haven't been pruned for years.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• apple
• orchard
• back
• garden
• yard
• backyard
• restore
• restoration
• fruit
• tree
• fruitwise

[ianandholly]

I found your videos when searching for information on restoring old orchards. I've been researching online and at my local library and I'm struggling to find answers to a few questions perhaps you may be able to assist. What would you suggest be done if you have trees that fruit wonderful flavorful fruit but don't seem to have good new growth to do grafting. (I'm seeing only 2-3 inches on some trees)

[stephenhayesuk]

greetings Ian and Holly

Best to cut back hard with a saw to wood about 3-4 cm thick, which should stimulate some new growth. Dont overdo it, maybe just a quarter of the tree, never more than a third. you should get some strong new growth the following growing season.

see my grafting videos for how to graft.

[stephenhayesuk]

Thanks Rose

where big branches are removed, creating space, there will be an increase if not an explosion in vegetative growth, and this is desirable, its what you are aiming at.

let it grow. If it is wildly excessive, remove some in the summer, but remember the new branches will in time replace the worn out old branches.

its called the renewal method of pruning

kind regards

[4alberich]

great series. I've inherited an old neglected apple, which fruited well last year but it's like the standard tree you have on this series only bigger. I've opened up the centre by climbing up it. Trouble is getting to the fruit. Not only are they high up but the tree is on a 35 degree slope and a step ladder is dangerous. Can I 'prune' the main stem and start again?

[rutlandchefsolutions]

Hi Stephen, great video's by the way. I've been tasked to 'prune' an apple orchard by friends of mine. The problem I've got is that the trees are so old, large and overgrown I feel they need a proper thinning out but don't wish to harm the trees or lose their integrity. If I remove enough wood to 'throw my hat', there really won't be much left except huge old limbs. Any advice gratefully received.

Regards, Richard

[griffithstoby64]

Thanks, Stephen

Very interesting,

Toby

[rosechimera]

Thank you so much for doing this series. These look like a tame version of my poor old apple tree. Where you removed the large branches, will there be an ensuing explosion of vegetative growth, and if so how should it be managed?

Thanks for any suggestions.