Old Apple Tree Trunk Split & Fell Over

[lukejr]

Hello all,
About 1-2 weeks ago our old Apple tree fell over, the leaves are still green and full of fruit.

Question is, what’s the best way to save the tree or to help it recover.

Thanks, Luke

 

[Mad Professor]

It's pretty much done for.

You might get some resprouts from the roots/trunk next spring.

If there is still some sap to support the tree it might put out some new shoots/scions you could use for grafting to rootstock if it made good apples.

It's sad and for me it's like losing an old friend.

 

[buzz sawyer]

What the Professor said - plus you have lots of good smoking wood. You could also save some bigger pieces for turning on a lathe to keep a piece of the tree around for memories.

 

[lukejr]

Thanks for the reply, taking some wood to turn into a bowl or something is a great idea.

I’m taking cuttings today to try and grow, can’t get my hands on rootstock this time of year.

Should I cut the tree right back so it’s not struggling with all the fruit on it? Or just leave it as is.

I’ll try air layering one of the branches near the ground to see if that’ll work - worth a try.

 

[TreePointer]

Do you like those apples? You may have an older variety of apple tree that's difficult to replace in terms of the fruit it produces (flavor, color, how it cooks, etc.). If you like your apples, research growing some new trees from cuttings (don't delay).