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Tree pruning
Eynsham Red
Posts: 55
Hi, I know that we've had numerous posts on this topic in the past, but I can't glean from any of the previous what I'd like to know
This apple tree is about 40 years old. It's about 12-14ft high and is very "busy" at the top. In the spring it wil increase height by 2-3 feet before I do a summer prune to thin out the leafy section. It' really becoming a bit unmanageable now and I'd like to reduce the height. However as most of the greenery is at the very top, will I end up with several "trunks" with no leaf and ultimately a dead tree?
Does anyone have any suggestions please? Many thanks.
Last edited: 21 January 2017 16:09:29
0
Posts
Or do what Monty did on the first programme in the BIg Dreams Small Spaces programme and take out several stems cutting them back to the trunk and then shorten the ones you keep. However, as Pansy says, it's always going to want to be a big tree and if you want a smaller one with lower vertical ambition you need to swap.
Thanks Pansyface.
We're not so much bothered about the fruit but would like to shorten the tree to a more manageable height rather than rip it out. That way it would still preserve some shade and a roost for the birds.
What I was wondering is whether I would do irreparable damage to cut out most of the top. Would new growth come from the main stems?
Thanks Obelixx, I'll try and watch that on Iplayer to see if I can get any tips.
The RHS has this advice for renovation pruning of old apple trees - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=279
Thank you both for your thoughts.
I've looked at the RHS website and watched Monty cutting back the overgrown apple tree, and I think it will be a case of suck it and see. I'll probably seriously cut back a couple of the main trunks now and see how it goes. If it doesn't go too rampant then I'll repeat the process next year but with a view to replacing it in a few year's time if not successful.
I'll continue to persevere with long loppers on the taller branches in the mean time.