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Have I wrecked my tree?

BouncingBackBouncingBack Posts: 142
in Fruit & veg
I over pruned this apple/plum (unsure yet because it hasn't fruited - was planted February 2022) in winter when dormant. Seeing new growth everywhere other than these middle branches - are these buds likely to grow, or am I going to have a tree that's bald in the middle forever?!


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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    That’s an apple tree

    There’s a technique called notching which you do above a dormant bud to stimulate it … you  might try that with just one or two buds on opposite sides of the tree.

    info here … 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • BouncingBackBouncingBack Posts: 142
    Thanks 😊 I've just watched a video - is it possible to do it now the tree has flowered, and do I do this on these small side branches or only on the main trunk?
  • BouncingBackBouncingBack Posts: 142
    For example, are these circled lumps on the trunk buds? There are many of these on the naked parts of the trunk!
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    The end of that side branch to the left needs sorting out, it's ragged and potentially a cause for die back and rot, trim back to just beyond a healthy bud with a clean cut



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • BouncingBackBouncingBack Posts: 142
    nutcutlet said:
    The end of that side branch to the left needs sorting out, it's ragged and potentially a cause for die back and rot, trim back to just beyond a healthy bud with a clean cut

    Noted thanks, have just cut it back now and also the opposite one as it was ropey too. Is it too late to notch now?
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Is that hole in the bottom of the trunk alright? 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • BouncingBackBouncingBack Posts: 142
    Lyn said:
    Is that hole in the bottom of the trunk alright? 
    Do you mean the one I asked about last year? If so yes! It wasn't on this tree though, it was on the cherry tree.

    Anyone know whether I can try notching now the tree is no longer dormant? If so I'll go for it.
  • BouncingBackBouncingBack Posts: 142
    BouncingBack said:
    Lyn said:
    Is that hole in the bottom of the trunk alright? 
    Do you mean the one I asked about last year? If so yes! It wasn't on this tree though, it was on the cherry tree.

    Anyone know whether I can try notching now the tree is no longer dormant? If so I'll go for it.
    Just realised the top photo above gives the impression there's a hole on this one - it's not a hole and is fine 😊
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Lyn said:
    Is that hole in the bottom of the trunk alright? 
    Looks like the graft point to me, rather than an actual hole. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • BouncingBackBouncingBack Posts: 142
    Dovefromabove said:
    Lyn said:
    Is that hole in the bottom of the trunk alright? 
    Looks like the graft point to me, rather than an actual hole. 😊 
    That's the one!
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