Apple tree main trunk dead but I want to encourage the suckers

18 months ago our ancient apple tree shed a substantial branch. This revealed disease with which the tree was riddled, so I made the unwelcome decision to fell the tree.
6 months ago about 20 healthy suckers sprouted on one side of the trunk at ground level.
I wish to encourage their growth with the eventual result of the propagation of a tree.
My question is, should I simply remove all but 2 or 3 suckers and see if at least one develops OR try grafting some suckers onto a rootstock OR both of these options OR something else?
Thanks in advance
Cholladua

 

I’d keep two and remove the rest. The problem is, the suckers may not be your old apple tree, they may be the rootstock onto which it was grafted many years ago.

 

Thanks for your very prompt reply Tidemark.
I understand and will follow your advice.

 

I'd just let one grow, although I get the feeling you might find only one not being possible, once suckers start coming they are not easy to stop.

I think you may well have to graft a known variety onto the one sucker you allow to remain.

 

Thank you Pete, all noted!
Regards
Cholladua

 

@Cholladua
Was it an apple grafted onto a rootstock? If yes then the suckers will be from the rootstock and you might be better either removing the remains and replanting with a known variety on a suitable rootstock.

 

Thanks Nigel, the tree is ~ 100 years old, but I assume that it was grafted.
Thanks for your input.