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Post by meakinsl on Sept 23, 2011 17:19:42 GMT
Hello, Had apple tree reduced last year by about 30% (thanks to advice on this forum) one of the cuts that was made what looks like years ago not in last years reduction seems to be dying back into the tree as shown below :  Is there anything I can do ? Will it harm the tree, it is starting to look like it is dying back into one of the three main branches of the tree. Any help greatly appreciated, Regards, Lawrence |
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Post by Cherry on Sept 23, 2011 18:14:37 GMT
When I saw that it was an apple tree, I felt quite excited because I love apple problems, but this problem would apply to any tree and should be answered by someone who could help with this.
I am cutting down an apple in October, which is disintegrating. It is losing branches so that there is hardly any tree left.
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Post by Lou78W on Sept 23, 2011 19:13:32 GMT
I'm certainly no expert, but would suggest that you cut the branch out and paint it with a specific product. I suggest you speak to SteveN about this.....he is very good on trees  |
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Post by Cherry on Sept 23, 2011 21:35:47 GMT
You are so right Lou. I think the information will come from one of the Steves because they are both brilliant at advising on this type of problem. You will just have to be patient and see who comes through first Meakins.
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Post by Fractal on Sept 25, 2011 11:55:55 GMT
I think you have both just about covered it. Apart from pruning out the effected branch, there isn't really anything else.
The problem of course is that any pathogen such as a fungus may already be eating into deeper wood which will cause structural problems for other branches. Hopefully not though. Treating the cut surface with Arbrex Paint & Seal which has both fungicidal and bactericidal properties will stop any future attack and also kill any spores left on the cut surface.
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Post by Fractal on Sept 25, 2011 11:58:34 GMT
ps Just remember any tools should always be cleaned thoroughly with either diluted bleach or Jayes fluid before pruning anything else, even another branch on the same tree. The spores especially can lie dormant for a long time on the tools.
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Post by meakinsl on Sept 26, 2011 8:57:12 GMT
Thanks for advice, looking at tree yesterday the branch that is infected which is one of the three major ones is the lesser of the three so could live with losing it if the best coausre of action was to prune it completely - guessing this would be best done in winter when dormant but the problem could have spread further by then and now rotten bark is so close to the main forking not sure could cut away all of the infected part.
If not pruning am I right in saying best thing is to buy the recommened Arbrex Paint & Seal and paint all over the damaged bark ? The cut that looks like dying back was done a long time ago and looks like rotten wood, just a shame it is so close to the main forking of the tree and not further up.
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