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Correcting the slant of a apple tree

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  • Correcting the slant of a apple tree

    Does anyone have any experience with correcting the way a apple tree stands?

    Just to explain, when I took over my allotment plot there were a number of fruit trees present, the tree in question is an apple tree and from ground level to tip is probably about a metre and half. The problem I think is a combination of the tree never being planted properly and poorly staked so the result is that I have an apple tree whose trunk sits at somewhere between a 45 and 60 degree angle from the ground.

    It produced a large number of apples this year so seems healthy enough from that perspective but I'd really like to correct the way its stood and return it to a 90 degree angle so it can continue as an upright tree.

    So whats the best way of accomplishing this?

    If I just force the tree upright and stake/tie it into position I'll inevitably break and/or damage some of the root system. Would this cause too much damage or would it actually promote new root growth?

    The least damaging way to my mind would be to spend time digging up the roots and then repositioning the tree before backfilling the soil. Would this be the recommended way?

    I'll obviously wait until he leaves have fallen and the tree has entered dormancy before I start looking at moving it but I'd like to make plans now. Any suggestions appreciated.

  • #2
    I planted a line of cordon apples at about 45 degrees purposely up my allotment plot. You may, if you try and straighten the trunk to vertical, finish up with a tree which bears very few fruit.
    I am going the other way as the apples a re now six foot high and i feel embarrassed about the shade they are imparting on my next door neighbours plot.
    I have managed to bend them even further down to an angle of roughly 20 degrees and tie them in position with a top height of one metre.

    Apples are pretty amenable and if you just change the shape in small stages you should be ok.
    My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
    to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

    Diversify & prosper


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    • #3
      I have straightened two apple trees this spring I just put a stake in and two of us just pulled them straight and then tied all the branches down, had my best crop of apples yet, I wouldnt dig it up as you will damage all the small roots

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      • #4
        I would stake it but in stages to allow the pressure on the roots to release before the next pull, maybe do this over six months in three or four stages.
        photo album of my garden in my profile http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...my+garden.html

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        • #5
          Think I'll try that then and try to correct it in small stages whilst its dormant, maybe one pull a month.

          Thanks for the suggestions.

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          • #6
            You may, if you try and straighten the trunk to vertical, finish up with a tree which bears very few fruit.
            Snadger, why is this?

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