partially cut apple branch, how best to remove?

**devonuk** · 19-06-2016, 08:16 PM

Originally posted by Robertcgs View Post

My apple tree is bearing some translucent apples that are meaty and good. I probably should have trimmed it sooner but i did 1.5 years ago and i planned to do it in the fall of this year. Anyway the neighbors tell me the branch broke (from the weight of the apples) and they partially cut through it to move the broken limb from a raised garden. I plan to cut the branch off, even though it seems to still be feeding the other broken side. How should i prepare the branch before i cut it off? Meaning should i treat it with something once i cut off the branch?

Also there are a lot of apples on this branch, anything i can do to help them ripen once I pull them off the cut branch?

I'm not sure I am envisaging the situation correctly but can't you defer removing the branch until the apples have ripened - you won't save them otherwise.

When the time comes just cut the branch off, at the trunk or at the junction with a good sound sub branch. no one seems to bother with wound paint any more, and thin fruit in future so this doesn't happen again!

**Robertcgs** · 20-06-2016, 05:14 AM

partially cut apple branch, how best to remove?

Originally posted by devonuk View Post

I'm not sure I am envisaging the situation correctly but can't you defer removing the branch until the apples have ripened - you won't save them otherwise.

When the time comes just cut the branch off, at the trunk or at the junction with a good sound sub branch. no one seems to bother with wound paint any more, and thin fruit in future so this doesn't happen again!

You could have the correct answer! I don't know. I thought with such a partial cut and a break that the exposed area would be an invitation to pests and other fruit destroying parasites.

I have thinned the tree overall today (on Father's Day, worse on a Sunday!!!). I will be cutting the tree back this fall/winter. Thanks for the advise. I inherited these trees when i bought the land but I am not a gardener and have no experience with fruit trees.

**happyhumph** · 20-06-2016, 06:38 AM

When you cut the branch do an initial cut part way through from underneath then cut from above. This helps prevent the branch / bark tearing. If you try to cut from underneath all the way your saw blade will get stuck! The theory is that wound paint can actually trap infections inside.

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partially cut apple branch, how best to remove?

partially cut apple branch, how best to remove?

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