We have an old apple that we would like to keep in our backyard. During my inspection of the tree I notice a few cavities that leads to the inside of the trunk. The trunk has a cavity inside were the wood almost feels like soil. I removed the dead wood and some of the rotten wood inside. What would be the best way to treat this for we would like to keep the tree it is still bearing fruit every year but the fruits are somewhat affected by insects or disease. Thanks
If rotted out and fruits not that great probably best removed and replaced with a new, disease-resistant variety (plus another for cross-pollination) on a dwarfing rootstock. What is often seen here is apple trees that have been topped brutally and developed decay as a result.
