Badly pruned apple tree

Hi, hope you don't mind me asking for some advice. I've recently moved into a new house with a very unruly apple tree in the garden. From the little research I've done it looks like it was badly pruned in the past and has sprouted branches everywhere as a consequence. I feel embarrassed every time I look out the window! There are no obvious leader branches - is there anything I can do other than just lopping everything back to the trunk and starting again?

Many thanks!

*Edit* I don't seem to be able to post an image yet...

 

Im sure youll be able to sort it out. Someone will be along to point you in the right direction. Im hopeless at pruning trees.

 

Thanks for the replies so far!
Having another go at posting an image....

 

Seems I need one "like" before I can post a picture..?

 

"Like"s done, it's a common feature in discussion forums to not give full rights to newly joined people, for a reason. But obviously for normal genuine people it is a bit of a hassle. Sorry about the nuisance and a warm welcome

 

I admit I am not a fruity man. OK ladies, calm down I do however know that two main features apply to pruning trees, albeit fruit or ordinary. That the center of the tree needs to be kept open. With fruit trees or bushes, the same plus recognising the difference between fruit buds and new stem/branch growth. In general practice, trees, bushes roses. Always prune to allow an outward facing bud to develop. In the case of fruit buds. Get to know what they look like, perhaps some may be facing toward the crown, remember these are fruit buds.
If I may. I agree a badly pruned fruit tree is an eyesore. Just a suggestion. Much depending upon your location and size of your garden. For shall we say the average garden owner. Growing fruit trees of whatever species. Have a go at cordons. Often here on gardening froums the question is asked. What can I grow against a wall. Go on. Give it a go.

 

Many thanks everybody, let's try again...

 

And a close up. It looks to me like someone's pruned it right back to the trunk at some point.

 

Thanks for the reply Mike! The tree is where I'd ideally like to put a shed, but it's lovely having mature trees in your garden, and I'd have a long wait for a new one to grow!

 

Tmuk, my friend. Lets talk about this. You have this apple tree, that in your opinion has been badly pruned etc. You now find yourself with mixed feelings. You also now have your eyes set on a new shed.

May I offer some advice? Bad prunning or whatever. Do you get a good harvest of fruit? Is the fruit in good condition or is it somewhat mangy? This I would say is the main point. All said and done. One expects a fruit tree/bush to reward you with fine fruits. The fruits have to be the deciding factor. Not upto me but. The photo suggests the tree is in the wrong spot. Me I would get shot of the tree and get your shed.

To be honest. Most gardeners find themselves play host to the wrong tree etc in a small garden. Look my friend. If you really do want an apple, pear, plum or whatever tree in your garden. Browse the web and catalogues. Fruit trees are produced in their millions by specialised nurseries/ growers using different root stocks. Please tak time and browse. Best wishes.

 

Having done the chopping-back-to-the-trunk thing on my apple tree, I'd say don't be afraid of it. It'll take 3-4 years to recover, but it will. You'll need to make sure you prune to give it structure this time though. It's going to try to put out a zillion shoots when you cut it back, and you need to trim them early to have it put the energy into where you want. You'll also need to trim mid season to open up air flow.

Oh, and the other lesson I learnt was disinfecting everything. I have some bits on mine I need to trim back again where it didn't heal over properly. And sticky tape to stop the bugs getting up the tree so much.

Don't worry too much if the fruits aren't in great condition with the tree in its current state. If you can open up air flow, take back any diseased wood, and get rid of any bugs like aphids which want to eat the tree, they will likely get better. Do you know what kind of apple it is?