I finally got around to pruning my big apple tree. After years of neglect, it had gone feral with branches twisting and turning every which way like it was in some sort of dance with itself. I know it is a bit late in the season to do this (if truth be known I took these pictures at the end of February) but I wanted to attack it and whip it into some sort of shape before I tackle the rest of the garden.
This year I wanted to just prune the big issues I saw and see how it gets on during the summer. I will probably do more next winter.
Standing back I could see one major branch which was growing back towards the center and twisting around another.
On the other side, it seemed to be even growing through the other branch. I knew I would have to sacrifice this one for the greater good.
Although I should be knowing what I am doing I honestly don't but, after a couple of evenings studying at Youtube University, I thought I would give it a try.
Using a few different tools, from this pruning saw to my rechargeable chainsaw I sculpted the branches to try and open up the center for more light and air. Apparently, you are supposed to be able to throw your hat through the center without hitting anything.
I always cut just above a smaller branch coming off the one I was cutting so that the tree energy would have somewhere to flow.
After lots of cutting, I think I have done enough for this year. It appears a lot lighter but still retains its wizen form. I might give it another look in the summer to see if some of the smaller branches could do with a trim.
In the grass in the foreground of this image, I hope to build some raised planters and don't want the apple tree to block the light.
As I said in my last post about my garden this is a cooking apple tree and always has a good harvest. More than we can eat. Any visitor that comes by leaves with a bag of apples and instructions about how to make the best apple pie from Clodagh.
The last thing that needed to be done was squirt some of this pruning seal over the cuts. This will protect the tree from infection and help it heal. So Youtube told me.
I'm sure it can't hurt and with all the amputations I did I really wanted to give this tree the best chance to get over my butchery. Not sponsored.
I then went about chopping all the offcuts to add to my stockpile of fuel for next year. My chosen weapon was my machette which I had bought years ago on my trip to Belize. It's such a great tool to have around the garden. I'll keep you posted on how the patient is doing.
