If an apple tree has not been pruned and cared for for many years, it is not just the branches that grow all over the place. Neglected fruit trees produce small fruits, are infested with pests, have cavities in the trunk or are rotten.
Can I still save an old apple tree?
You can save an old apple tree by pruning it. This often means that it even produces tasty fruit again. Even a tree with a hole in the trunk can remain vital for many years.
Do I have to close cavities to save the old apple tree
In the past it was often recommended to fill holes in the trunk with concrete or construction foam, for example, but today this is not recommendedbecause of thenon-demonstrable benefitfor the apple tree Woody plants that are otherwise vital can survive for many years with this damage.
However, you should prevent water from collecting in the cavity as this could lead to rot. Simply use the drill to drill a hole in the bottom of the cave so that the moisture can drain away.
Can pruning save an old apple tree?
You can save avital, old apple treethat has simply been neglected by pruning it back. The old apple tree can be saved by pruning measures even get it back into such good shape that it bears a lot of fruit.
You should note the following points:
- Do not cut back all the branches at once.
- Plan at least two, preferably three years for the cutting measures.
- Shrink the tree from top to bottom.
- Use hand tools for this work (€39.00 on Amazon) and not a chainsaw.
How do I save an old apple tree colonized by mistletoe?
If theMistletoeonly sits in theouter crown area,you can cut the old apple tree with atargeted cutsave:
- Remove all branches affected by epiphytes up to the next branch fork.
- Be sure to cut into he althy wood.
Mistletoe are epiphytic parasites that grow in a wedge shape into the tissue of the apple tree. They deprive the host of water and nutrients, so that its vitality suffers greatly. If the supporting branches of the fruit tree are infected to a large extent, it unfortunately often has to be felled.
Tip
Growing a new one from the old apple tree
If the old apple tree can no longer be saved and you don't want to miss out on the tasty apple variety, you can grow a new tree of the same variety by grafting an annual branch. For this purpose, annual endrices are placed firmly on a suitable base and planted.