Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Apple tree roots

gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
in Problem solving
Good evening all

So I’ve noticed that if I move the trunk of my Apple tree some of the soil at the base also moves, is this normal? It is a dwarf tree, I think an M9?

Could I just add some garden soil on top to level it off as such?

Many thanks 
«134567

Posts

  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Does it have a stake?  Trees on M9 need permanent staking as the roots are weak.  You shouldn't be able to move the tree in the soil...
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
    Yes the tree does have a stake. I had to put a new one in last year as the old one was too small.
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Does the stake move as well as the tree?  If so, you need a bigger one - or maybe one either side of the tree, as used in municipal plantings where bored teenagers think it's fun to wiggle trees about.  If the stake doesn't move, but the tree does, I think you need a new tree tie or two, perhaps.
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
    If I recall only the tree moves but I’ll have to check. The stake is bigger than the trunk, not sure how much bigger I can go haha. It has got two ties on it already.
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    The roots may have been loosened when the old stake was in place, so make sure the tree is really well supported by the new one as you don't want the base of the trunk moving at all when wind rocks the tree because that is when damage occurs.  If it is securely held in place, new roots will form to help support it.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Perhaps a second stake then, on the other side of the tree.  We've had a lot of very strong wind recently, which may have loosened your poor tree...  is it still looking healthy?
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
    If I put in another stake won’t it damage the roots? I think it’s healthy? I’m somewhat new to gardening still. It has produced apples this year and still has leaves on it that helps? 
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    If you put the stake in at an angle, you can minimise the risk of damaging any roots as the sharp end is driven in at an angle pointing away from the roots, like this:

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
    Ok Bob I might have to get a second stake. The current stake is upright. Does the angled stake need to be in a specific position or just opposite the current stake?
  • gardenman91gardenman91 Posts: 429
    Ok so I’ve ice take two pictures of the tree to see if that helps. Also, I’ve noticed the steak itself moves. 
Sign In or Register to comment.