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Peeling Apple tree bark
Maria46
Posts: 3
The bark on our Apple tree is peeling from the root upwards although the newer branches are yet unaffected. Could this be some kind of rot or a normal growth spurt? It's a lovely mature tree but no fruit for the last few years. It has been professionally winter pruned twice in 3 years.
Thanks!
0
Posts
It looks like it has suddenly found new vigour probably as a result of the pruning. Have you started feeding the area around the roots recently too?
No, to be honest it has been left to its own devices. What would be best? I'm in new territory with fruit trees!
What is growing on the ground underneath? Ideally, you should keep an area of about a metre radius clear of grass and other plants as the tree's feeding roots are close to the surface. To feed, use a general slow release fertiliser like blood, fish and bone applied as per packet and gently 'tickle' it in to the surface with a hand fork or a rake. You can plant spring bulbs in the area so it doesn't look bare though.
It's grass, but I will look into clearing it. Thanks for the advice I was just so concerned with the condition of the bark I thought we might be losing it. It's too pretty!