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Reviving an old apple tree

3K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  user1007 
#1 ·
So we have this apple tree on our farm that used to bear lots and lots of apples, until lately every year it would bear less and less, until finally last year none came and the tree appeared dead, so I sawed off as illustrated. I left a lot of the stump because I noticed there were long and tiny (about half an inch thick) branches growing out towards the bottom that were bearing leaves.

Now that Spring is here, I'd like to revive this tree somehow in hopes that it will one day bears apples again. What should I do? I was thinking of cutting the tree off towards the bottom and then burying the stump and have the branches sticking out of the ground, but I was afraid that would kill the tree (as the branches may be getting their nutrients from the large underground root system).



Suggestions?

Thanks
 
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#2 ·
A real photo would give more information of the "the subject" (the tree).

If the real tree is really that far out of plumb, I would say that the huge root system is longer attached to the tree very well.

A good arborist could give you some suggestion on whether or not you can bring it back.

Dick
 
#4 ·
I don't understand the illustration or your situation I guess. I put myself through school doing things like pruning fruit trees under careful guidance of an arborist.

Can you post a picture.

To bear fruit, apple, pear, etc. trees need at least seasonal pruning back to the prior year fruit or flower spurs. They will bloom from that point. It sounds like yours got out of control and you may have lost it.

I agree, talk with your county or city arborist.

You should pick up a book from the library on pruning fruit trees.
 
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