Apple tree saving/ pruning

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Loofah, Nov 26, 2022.

Page 2 of 2
  1. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    Messages:
    15,702
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Guildford
    Ratings:
    +27,961
    Very helpful. This is not a newly planted tree, it's well established and been neglected. I was wondering if someone had a nifty tip to bring it back into a pretty goblet shape without going to town with a saw.
     
    Loofah, Nov 28, 2022
    #16 Quote in Conversation
  2. infradig

    infradig Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2022
    Messages:
    1,643
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Freelance self preservationist
    Location:
    Solent
    Ratings:
    +1,971
    OK, then.
    Form your ideal shape in re-bar and overlay. Prune and tie in to perfect. Kind of three dimensional espalier. Post photos of progress.
     
    • Like Like x 1
      infradig, Nov 28, 2022
      #17 Quote in Conversation
    • Loofah

      Loofah Admin Staff Member

      Joined:
      Feb 20, 2008
      Messages:
      15,702
      Gender:
      Male
      Location:
      Guildford
      Ratings:
      +27,961
      Like a large bonsai!
       
      • Creative Creative x 1
        Loofah, Nov 28, 2022
        #18 Quote in Conversation
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

        Joined:
        Jan 9, 2005
        Messages:
        56,543
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired
        Location:
        Mid Kent
        Ratings:
        +110,517
        Sounds a bit more complicated than just pulling it upright.:biggrin:
         
        pete, Nov 28, 2022
        #19 Quote in Conversation
      • Loofah

        Loofah Admin Staff Member

        Joined:
        Feb 20, 2008
        Messages:
        15,702
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Guildford
        Ratings:
        +27,961
        It sure does!
         
        Loofah, Nov 28, 2022
        #20 Quote in Conversation
      • Sheal

        Sheal Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Feb 2, 2011
        Messages:
        37,164
        Gender:
        Female
        Location:
        Dingwall, Ross-shire
        Ratings:
        +58,300
        The trunk isn't that wide and with give in the roots I'd go for bringing it upright. I'd loosen the soil around the roots, pull it upright and stake it in place. Back fill soil if necessary round the roots and then prune it to a reasonable shape. Hopefully, it will develop new branches and a better shape over the next few years. Nothing ventured....:)
         
        • Like Like x 2
          Sheal, Nov 28, 2022
          #21 Quote in Conversation
        • noisette47

          noisette47 Total Gardener

          Joined:
          Jan 25, 2013
          Messages:
          7,068
          Gender:
          Female
          Location:
          Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
          Ratings:
          +17,158
          No need to be sniffy :biggrin: Perhaps you'd find this helpful? It's one of the most sensible RHS articles I've seen in a long time.....Apples and pears: pruning made easy / RHS Gardening Short of taking out the main central upright, though, (which is risky from a disease point of view) you're not going to be able to form a goblet shape. Chris Bowers devotes some space to pyramid apple growing and pruning which might be more helpful .....Guide of how to cultivate Apple and Pear trees - Chris Bowers and Sons
           
          • Like Like x 1
            noisette47, Nov 29, 2022
            #22 Quote in Conversation
          • Loofah

            Loofah Admin Staff Member

            Joined:
            Feb 20, 2008
            Messages:
            15,702
            Gender:
            Male
            Location:
            Guildford
            Ratings:
            +27,961
            This is what I'm thinking of doing. Not sure I can achieve a reasonable shape out of the sprawl of branches but as others have said, it's a long term fix!
             
            • Like Like x 2
              Loofah, Nov 29, 2022
              #23 Quote in Conversation
            Page 2 of 2
            Loading...
            Similar Threads - Apple tree saving
            1. Engelbert

              Is this old apple tree beyond saving (I hope not)?

              Engelbert, Oct 31, 2019, in forum: Edible Gardening
              Replies:
              10
              Views:
              1,434
              Janet mahay
              Nov 29, 2019
            2. "M"

              Apple Tree: dead or worth saving?

              "M", Aug 12, 2012, in forum: Trees
              Replies:
              5
              Views:
              1,166
              The Coalthief
              Aug 15, 2012
            3. Chris5000

              Saving a Poorly Cooking Apple Tree

              Chris5000, May 21, 2011, in forum: Trees
              Replies:
              4
              Views:
              1,390
              Chris5000
              May 28, 2011
            4. ricky101

              Cordon Apple Trees, Site ?

              ricky101, Dec 12, 2025 at 8:41 PM, in forum: Edible Gardening
              Replies:
              2
              Views:
              53
              infradig
              Dec 13, 2025 at 1:58 PM
            5. Rockhopper69

              Pruning a young apple tree

              Rockhopper69, Dec 11, 2025 at 10:25 PM, in forum: Trees
              Replies:
              13
              Views:
              151
              Escarpment
              Dec 13, 2025 at 9:53 AM

            Share This Page

            1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
              By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
              Accept Learn More...
              Dismiss Notice