Dont know what to do about our HUGE Apple Tree?!

jamsandwhich

My SIL has two Victoria Plum and one large Bramley Apple tree in her garden - once we have all we want off them she lets the neighbours and a friend of FIL come and collect all they want off them too.

Hers had got to the point where branches were hanging onto the floor so she hard pruned them all a couple of years ago and it has done them the world of good.

We only just used the last of our stored Bramleys in Feb of this year - unfortunately we had them in the shed and the cold winter meant they had a bit of frost damage so we lost quite a few but stored properly you would have stocks for a good six months:)

Patchwork_Quilt

You can bottle apple puree too if you don't have enough freezer space. Start collecting bottles now! I bottle puree and slices. Also freeze puree, make chutney and mincemeat. I do a little bit at a time while I'm cooking the main meal of the day so that I'm in the kitchen anyway. I peeled about 200 apples last year. Lakeland do a mechanical apple peeler, which may help. You can also use the juice to make jelly.

HelenDaveKids

I personally commiserate. We (old house) had HUGE bramley apple, could easily collect 9 carrier bags full every 2 days, You soon run out of people to give to!! School, neighbours, friends of neighbours, relatives, friends, work colleagues.

We did major prune and had 2 quieter years but then more and more......

Unfortunately I dont cook but was the lucky recipient of lots of apple pies!

podcake

if you are having problems getting rid of apples, just tell us all where you are (in rough terms) I'm certain that all of the apples you want to get rid of will go relatively quickly.

ixwood

Share the wealth. Freecycle or on here. Put signs up or find a bartering website and see what you can turn them into.

Or you could gather and leave them for the wildlife to enjoy. Or dry store them and put them out in winter. Blackbirds love apples.

gardenroute

I always thought apple trees were pruned in winter as that's when there was more time for the farm workers to do it (can't back this up though).
The regrowth on a summer-pruned tree is better than the sudden flush of growth after a heavy wnter prune so I would take out a few large branches now. Look for a few obvious large branches to take out, such as:
1. Large upward growing stems in the centre of the tree
2. Branches that grow sideways through the canopy.
3. Any branches that rub against each other
4. Dead, diseased or dying wood

If it is a bramley it will be tip bearing (google this) so your annual pruning will be different to other apple trees.
I've never root pruned so I can't advise on that.
Don't take more than a third out of the tree or it will respond with more growth.

freezspirit

I have a similar problem but not as big Bramley Apple tree, around 4.5m high. I wondering if I could selectively take off/cut out some of the growing apples now. Reducing the harvest crop size would it then produce better apples.

mambury

well if you live anywhere near north devon I will be more than happy to help collect and take away some of your unwanted apples!!:)

ladylouise62

I wish I knew someone with a Bramley tree!

If you have an independent greengrocer nearby, maybe you would be able to make a deal with him and help pay off any cost if you need to get a tree-surgeon in. Or someone at your local farmers market ? Even local cafes/restaurants

If you are giving them away then check with local schools - if they cook themselves then they would appreciate any money saving. Church groups often feed people or meals on wheels or the WRVS or Day centres.