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Leaning apple tree

rachaelhowourthrachaelhowourth Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hello.  When we moved into our property had this apple tree in the garden.  As you can see it leans right over and the main branch is almost horizontal to the ground.  Do you think I could cut the main branch off which is leaning over and use the brach which is vertical as a "new trunk" .  Keeping on top of pruning to have it growing vertically instead or will this not work.  The apples are really tasty and it's covered so I want to keep it even if it has to stay leaning. TIA

Posts

  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    I can't see a picture. Really need to see what's happening with it before anyone can advise  :)
  • rachaelhowourthrachaelhowourth Posts: 4
    I thought i had added the pics to the original post sorry
  • rachaelhowourthrachaelhowourth Posts: 4
    First pic is the branch i thought of using as the new trunk, second pic is the actual  trunk as it comes out of ground.  The 3rd pic shows the trunk coming from the right and leaning to the left
  • rachaelhowourthrachaelhowourth Posts: 4
    pansyface said:
    Could you not just leave it as it is? It’s happy and it looks “interesting” and it’s not causing trouble? Let’s hear it for eccentricity.😊

    Having said that, your neighbour’s washing looks unusual too.😂
    We could but most of the branches are now trailing the floor with the weight of the fruit and theres loads of weeds growing underneath and i can't cut the hedge properly.  There's also a rhubarb plant hidden under it somewhere lol
  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    I've been reading up on pruning apples as I need to get mine done this jan/Feb. I think it's quite normal for them to lean a bit, prevailing winds or leaning towards the sun. Mine does it too.

    I did read that very low branches should be taken out to the main trunk. Personally I wouldn't take out that branch. This might help

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=90




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