I wonder if anyone can help please regarding a very old apple tree we have. It has never been pruned for at least 12 years, although it is much older than that, and during eight of those years a very invasive honeysuckle has taken it over. Consequently the tree branches have grown very long and 'whippy' with only foliage and fruit at the very ends of the branches. We have taken the honeysuckle away but the poor tree looks very sad and I'm concerned that perhaps in the winter the winds may snap some of the branches. We are very nervous about cutting the branches too hard back because we really dont want to lose it. Can anyone help please - we would be most grateful - thank you in advance
Occasionally cut out an entire senescent or badly placed branch. Leave the rest alone. If the vine has been cut out the tree will probably fill back in. If this is the common sad sight of a once brutally topped mature apple tree with numerous vertical watersprouts that became replacement branches, check the main branches for decay. You may have to get a ladder so you can look at the tree from above. If the main branches now look like dugout canoes, or otherwise have severe decay and loss of wood then tree may be essentially derelict at this point. Ruinous chain-sawing of apple trees in half, to reduce height significantly in one move often results in burning and decay of remaining main branches.
Many thanks for your response - basically then you advise to leave it alone but check for decay - thats really helpful.
If it definitely looks like it may split apart and there is something in the way, you should probably think about preventative measures. Next you may want to engage a qualified party to examine the subject in person.
