|
|
Post by 4pygmies on Aug 29, 2006 18:54:50 GMT
My apple trees are absolutely laden with fruit this year and are only just managing to support the weight. They are between 10 -15 years old most of them and have never really been pruned properly. I think I may have to do some serious pruning as it's getting to be a royal pain stooping under them to get to my GH and PT. Anybody got any advice for me? I don't want to do any permanent damage to them - but I'm of the "prunes to within an inch of its life once she gets going"school of pruning so I need guidance!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2006 12:55:48 GMT
are your apples damaged by wasps/worms. mine are unusble. can you offer any tips?
|
|
|
|
Post by skarloey on Sept 3, 2006 15:11:11 GMT
COOOOOWEEE......ANYONE OUT THERE ABLE TO ANSWER 4Ps QUESTION? How's that 4P?  Don't think it was a little too loud do you? ;D |
|
|
|
Post by oldmoleskins on Sept 3, 2006 18:05:47 GMT
tell you what 4P - I'd like to know as well, and a near neighbour used to run a "Norfolk Endangered Species" sort of fruit tree nursery. I'll ask him asap and get back to you.
If you find out in the meantime from your books or the other place please let us know!!
OM
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on Sept 3, 2006 18:18:54 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on Sept 3, 2006 18:34:36 GMT
Thanks for taking the time and trouble, Busybee. I'm a bit worried about how to tackle my trees. I don't want to lose a lot of fruit next year but, as I said, they are really buckling under the strain of all the apples and pears..I shall have to do something as soon as the fruits have come off, already two or three branches are splitting. Lots are damaged by wasps as well, like gardenstarry's , but there are so many I don't begrudge them a few...still my goats are having a fine time with all the fallers too. Fancy moaning about a huge harvest - some people are never happy!
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on Sept 3, 2006 18:55:57 GMT
Found this too, you may find some useful tips in it. They do talk about props to hold up heavy branches. I have seen what I can only describe as looking like the old fashioned wooden clothes props but a bit more substansial looking. Good luck www.gardenbanter.co.uk/showthread.php?t=96694 |
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on Sept 3, 2006 19:04:44 GMT
Oh, that's great BB, I scrolled down and found just what I need. I shall have to print it off and read it a few times , maybe nail it on each tree as I start to cut - it looks complicated to me! You're a star for looking for me! Thanks.
Now, do you think OH will let me use his chain saw....?
|
|
|
|
Post by oldmoleskins on Sept 4, 2006 16:28:49 GMT
OK 4p, do you want the good news or the good news?
Notwithstanding anything above, (and apparently you can make pruning as complex as you want, the scope is limitless) the advice is very simple as far as apples are concerned:
Good News 1) if you're worried about weight causing damage, remove some fruit (it won't harm the tree) until you're happier, or the tree is whichever happens first.
After you've harvested the remainder, and asap, cut back any branches you like, but with keeping the middle 'open' as a priority. Shorten branches to improve shape, remove branches to reduce bulk. Keep cuts sharp - no snags - to lessen chance of die-back or infection. That's all there is to it, in fact there may be less 'cos:
Good News 2) my neighbour who has a 'pick your own' orchard as part of his farm shop has just last winter cut the tops and sides out of his apple trees with a tractor flail (he also removed every other row to get access, shame, but apparently demand just isn't there any more). I went round to see these before reporting back to you, and they look absolutely fine and are loaded with fruit.
Go for it, Girl!!
OM
|
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on Sept 4, 2006 16:42:54 GMT
Well, you are a cherub OM. And what you're saying is I should take my own advice and relax! Isn't that always the way - simple is best! That's why I married a Norfolk boy (ONLY JOKING!!).. We shall continue to munch our way through the bounteous harvest and then I'll get creative with my loppers. Isn't gardening GREAT??
|
|
|
|
Post by oldmoleskins on May 2, 2007 8:36:25 GMT
Remembered this thread, was next door earlier and had the camera with me: a sample 'flail-pruned' apple tree  a sample row or two  Not in full-blossom glory now, but encouragement perhaps for anyone nervous of shaping a tree to suit themselves - Mother Nature is very forgiving... The received wisdom is to winter-prune most things while the tree is semi-dormant, but as I've said elsewhere, other than vines, plants rarely bleed worryingly if cut during growth period, and if it's holding up a project, or just unpleasing to the eye - be bold, go forth with the loppers... OM. |
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on May 16, 2007 21:03:08 GMT
 you wouldn't have believed it if you hadn't seen it with your own eyes, amazing. Look like a green light for you 4P 
|
|
TeeGee
Assistant Gardener
Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years.
Posts: 218
|
Post by TeeGee on May 17, 2007 11:42:50 GMT
|
|
Don't think it was a little too loud do you? 
you wouldn't have believed it if you hadn't seen it with your own eyes, amazing..jpg){kind=avatar}