'Renovating' can bring your old apple tree back to its former glory

The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

By: Lee Reich, The Associated Press

Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2015 at 8:29 AM | Comments: 0

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This undated photo composite shows an old apple tree before and after pruning in New Paltz, New York. With some of its larger limbs cut back and smaller branches thinned out to let light and air in among remaining branches, this old apple tree is on its way to bearing tasty apples again. (AP Photo/Lee Reich)

A neglected, overgrown, old apple tree does have charm, its gnarled, elbowed branches seemingly reaching out for a hug. The fruits, unfortunately, are more often than not too small, too high and too pest-ridden.

But don't despair: Such a tree can be returned to its former glory by "renovation," as corrective pruning of an old tree is called.

Before picking up a pruning tool, ask yourself whether the effort involved in renovating a tree will be justified.

Is the tree of a particularly good variety? (Take into account that renovation would bring some improvements in fruit size and flavour.)

Do you really want a tree where that tree stands?

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'Renovating' can bring your old apple tree back to its former glory