Thinking about my apple tree for next year

bof_3

We have a mature apple tree but we've always thrown the apples away because they fall early and are always maggoty. The tree itself doesn't look great and seems to be covered in a lichen like growth.
My OH wants it cutting down but I like the blossom and the shade it brings to the garden but I agree that something has to be done with it.
I've been thinking about having it pruned back because it's been left to its own devices for at least the last 20 years as is a bit wild but I don't know if this would be worthwhile? Is there anyway to stop the apples being ruined by worms/maggots?

Lotus-eater

I would. Put horticultural grease around it now and hang up a codling moth trap next year. Prune it back heavily this winter would be my advice, but you may be better to get an apple tree experts advice.
Monty says to prune it so as to allow a bird to fly through it, so lots of space.

Mojisola

Don't cut it back - it will look awful. It would be better to thin it out. After the leaves have dropped off, look at the tree from all angles and look for crossing and over-crowded branches. There's a good guide to renovating old trees here - http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?PID=279

Opening up the canopy will let more light into the garden so your OH may be happy with that. If you follow Lotus-eater's advice, you should get some apples to eat next year.

Don't worry about the lichen - it's a sign that the air where you live is clean and unpolluted. It won't be doing the tree any harm.

bof_3

Thanks for the replys, I'm guessing I'll be able to get the grease in the local garden centre/diy store?

Sorry I didn't explain myself very well, I did mean thin out the branches rather than hack it back to nothing but I'm looking to get someone in to do it rather than do it myself. From what you've said it sounds like there will be an awful lot to get rid of because no way could a bird fly through it at the moment.

I've only got half a dozen apples left on it now because all the others have fallen off but I've just found one without holes and it's the sourest tasting apple I've ever had, big though like an overgrown golden delicious.

Principia_2

bof wrote: »

it's the sourest tasting apple I've ever had, big though like an overgrown golden delicious.

Could it be a cooking apple?

General rule (I don't know how general though) chop and cook one up and if it purees while cooking it's a cooker, if it keeps its shape (I usually cook in little cubes with a little water and lemon juice) then it's an eating apple.

Cooking apples are more sour.

valk_scot

bof wrote: »

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I've only got half a dozen apples left on it now because all the others have fallen off but I've just found one without holes and it's the sourest tasting apple I've ever had, big though like an overgrown golden delicious.

Is it sort of lumpy as well rather than spherical? If so lucky you, it's almost definately a cooker. I'd much rather have one cooking apple tree than my three eating apple trees!

bof_3

My apple doesn't look like a cooking apple, it really does look like a Golden Delicious. Could it be sour because it's not yet ripe? It looks ripe tbh the skin is pale green and it's a good size.

harib0uk

I've an apple tree on my allotment, the fella that planted it says it's a cooker but the lady who had the plot last year says it's an eater.

My apples sound very much like yours they are large golden delicious like .. would like to know for sure as my dad says they are eaters once ripened off the tree for a week or so.. but I think they are too sour.

Mojisola

Ask around and see if anyone in your area is running an apple day like this - https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/events/show_event.php?id=109. If you can take some fruit along, there should be someone knowledgeable enough to identify it for you.

Patchwork_Quilt

You can make cider from chopped up windfalls, apparently. That might be of use.

LilacLouisa

Lotus-eater wrote: »

I would. Put horticultural grease around it now and hang up a codling moth trap next year. Prune it back heavily this winter would be my advice, but you may be better to get an apple tree experts advice.
Monty says to prune it so as to allow a bird to fly through it, so lots of space.

What is horticultural grease please and what is a codling moth trap (and where would I get one)?

I was treated to 2 apple trees, 1 pear tree and a cherry tree a few weeks ago. I am really thrilled and hoping to get some some fruit off them next year, so hoping to nurture them. Thanks:)