This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Rotting apple tree
RobertH
Posts: 3
Our apple tree has had some substantial branches chopped off years before we bought the property - the stumps have decayed away so much so that water is pooling inside the tree - at the end of last summer I found hundreds of slug eggs in there. I have included some pictures. Is there anything I can do to save or prolong the life of the tree? Would it help to drill a hole to drain the water away?
It would be a shame to lose the tree and it is still producing fruit - any advice would be very welcome...
Thanks in advance,
R.
0
Posts
Thanks! So just ignore the water and let it grow old gracefully?
Yes ... it's a beautiful and venerable old 'un .......... as it gently decays it'll provide a wonderful habitat for all sorts of interesting wildlife ... my guess is that all sorts of tits will be hunting for insects in the branches ... possibly troupes of long tailed tits (Lollipop birds). If it's leaning ( I can't tell from here) it might be worth while making a sturdy wooden prop to counter the lean ... if you look here and scroll down http://www.bernwodeplants.co.uk/oldesttree2.htm
You have a beautiful tree ........... I'm very envious.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
But if you love the variety, plant a new tree too. Or a different variety in case the inevitable happens.
RobertH
You've probably got something unique in your neighbourhood there ; its antique charm only further enhanced by the beautiful moss adorning it !
Thanks everyone. Esp. pansyface and dovefromabove - really useful link. Lets hope the tree has got many more years to go.
R.