Many of them, however, if properly managed, could Often the cultivars are very old and are no longer grownĬommercially. Old, abandoned or semi-abandoned apple trees occur throughout Renovating Old, Abandoned Apple Treesĭepartment of Horticulture County Extension Director, Emmet County, The following article/information was publishedīy Michigan State University's Cooperative Extension Service. Can be applied in fall or spring, ideally in conjunction with a thoughtful pruning program. No need to work anything into the soil-just cover with a thick layer of woody mulch.

If you wish, you may add 7-14 cubic feet of compost Rainbow Valley or Coast of Maine Quoddy Blend are both good choices. Apply one bag per old tree best if spread at the tree’s drip line and several feet beyond. If the tree is in a heavily wooded spot, don’t cut out allĬompeting vegetation in the first year or you may stress the treeĪncients Rise Mix, our unique blend of rock powders, trace minerals, biostimulants and humic acid is formulated to enhance the soil Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), build humus, and condition the soil in which the ancient roots reside. Remove competing trees and shrubs to let in light and reduce competition. In winter prune the entire treeįollowing the directions below, or use a good book onįruit tree pruning, such as Cass Turnbull’s Guide to Pruning. More and more people are renovating these old -and sometimes forgotten- trees, not only to enhance production and fruit quality, but also as an act of reverence.Ĭut out dead branches and limbs any time. Whether they be abandoned heirlooms or wild seedlings, tucked in the woods or growing alongside an old road, apple trees live on for hundreds of years.

Fedco Trees Tips for Renovating Old Apple Trees

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