Fruitwise guide to pruning-the neglected apple tree

Pruning a neglected apple tree is not difficult. Often when you move into a new house there is a tree nobody has cared for a dn it is overgrown. Don't worry, unless the tree is seriously post mature, diseased, very badly situated or a variety you really don't like, a few simple principles and a sharp saw will see it all right. the main thing is to use the saw to remove whole branch systems that are diseased, too low, too crowded or crossing, and mostly leave the rest of the tree alone-at least for the first year. There is a very good section in the RHS book 'The Fruit Garden Displayed' on pruning neglected trees, but sadly its out of print.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• fruitwise
• apple
• tree
• prune
• pruning
• neglected
• overgrown

[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.

[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

[Teorispa]

That's for sure.

[telemarker77]

you're right out of a dickens novel.

[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]

Much appreciated. Thanks for you reply Stephen!!