Medium sized apple tree

Cliecost

valk_scot wrote: »

Well, I've taken a tree that size down, and I'm 5'4" tall. Start at the top and take it down branch by branch, supporting the end of the branch you're cutting with a rope so it doesn't fall on the head of whoever is steadying the ladder. Once you've reduced it to a pole, cut it down to a convenient height to use as a lever to get the stump out. You'll have to dig down at this point to sever all the main roots.

However you can't just put another tree in the same place, especially another of the same species. You need to give it a couple of years minimum for the roots to decay and the soil to recover, plus any apple specific diseases and parasites to die down as they will attack a new and vunerable tree. But tbh I wouldn't plant another tree that close to your house anyway. For every metre height of mature tree, you need to be one metre away from the house otherwise you may just get into trouble with the roots under the foundation. Actually you're going to have to be careful about taking the existing tree down for that very reason. If it's extremely close to the house, say within twelve feet, get a professional to look at it first otherwise root shrinkage might cause problems.

You'll get just as many windfalls and as much leaf fall from a Bramley as a Cox of course, so if that's one of the main reasons for replacing it don't bother. I do agree with you however that a Bramley is a very useful apple tree to have, especially if you like cooked apples. I inherited three apple trees in my garden and they're all a bit mehh tbh, even the Cox type. I'ver left them in though, they're pretty. I planted a Bramley on the allotment though!

Ummmmmmm, that's a shed.

But thanks for the advice!!! Much appreciated!

exprog

valk_scot wrote: »

For every metre height of mature tree, you need to be one metre away from the house

Just to change the subject, how far away from each other is advisable for trees?

moneywasternomore!

That looks like a pretty small tree to me - compared to the size of our apple trees! 15 minutes with a bow saw should see that down. Apple wood makes excellent firewood once seasoned so be sure not to just burn it or chip it.

In fact, why not place a local ad offering free wood if they come and cut down the tree and remove it? We did this with 9 tonnes of Cotswold stone chippings a few years ago....everyone's a winner!