This is a rather strange apple tree. I know it’s an apple tree, because it had a couple of apples on it when we viewed the house we now live in, last November. Unless the sellers managed to glue a couple to the tree for effect.
Anyway, I’m not sure what to do about it. I mean, it’s growing straight up.
Of course, in general, things grow up, unless they grow in the ground, but let’s not confuse this matter any further. But for not just the trunk, but all the branches to grow up in the same manner, I mean, how do you even get an apple tree to grow in such a way?
There is of course the issue of taste. And going by these buds, and the luck of the weather goddess, it looks like I should get some apples this year. What type, cookers or eaters, well, I guess I’ll have to wait and see. And hope I can get to an apple day with some of the fruit to see if I can find out what variety it is.
However, going back to the issue of straightness, I’m in a quandary. What do I do with this tree? How in the hell do I prune it so the branches go out and not straight up. I’m asking you, dear reader, for help! Any suggestions? And can I start pruning now, or wait until next winter?
Over to you.
Do you think that it started life as one of those ‘ballerina’ trees?
I've never heard of those before. I looked this up and yes, that must be what the tree is. Thank you so much. I'm going to do more research so I understand better about how to grow and prune the tree. Will be interesting to see how the fruit tastes.
There's a book by Chloe Ward called How To Prune An Apple Tree – a guide for real people with imperfect trees – which might help, though it might be a bit basic for you.
Hope you are recovering from the move (I know moving with ME is not easy) and soon feeling settled in your new house and garden.
Thanks Juliet, I'll look that book up. Recovery from the move (and the last year which was a very hard one for other reasons) is frustratingly slow. Trying to learn some patience. Wish I could buy patience somewhere!