Yes, i realised it is time for a long awaited update, I did post something a few months back but that got removed as I didn't feel that enough had changed with no real hard evidence i could provide, but now this has changed, and i have some exiting news and pictures to share.
Ever since my original post I took a deep dive into the arborist rabbit-hole and soon after applied and got accepted into an RHS advanced practical horticulture programme, which i am confident will now be my future career path, its a 2 year course and I am on track to finish with a distinction. A thank you to the few here that provided constructive criticism and encouraged me to research.
Tree 1 [slides 2-6]
we are now sure it is a Bramley, we had it tested by Reading University's lab which is part of www.fruitwatch.org. My parents looked up the history of their land which further confirmed this tree to be between 90 and 100 years of age, as our garden was once an orchard. One of the branches had to be removed and as you can see, my father's 'medical' approach to installing the plugs 'seems' to have worked, as the cross section showed no signs of further rot or decay, while the charred ring from the blowtorch is clearly visible. The other plugs are holding well, with the tree being in good shape overall.
I have met and spoke with many famous and respected Horticulturalists thanks to my studies and where I live for which I am grateful for, with their help this tree received its first proper pruning in about 5 years. We have also dug out a small tree ring to uncover more of the base and help us safely clear the ivy roots, any advice id much appreciated
Tree 2 [slides 7-8]
Despite best efforts we still have no clue what variety of apple this is, what we do know is its BRIX level is higher than that of a grape, which does check out as they are the sweetest apples I know of. This tree was also pruned with help from the experts and is sending out lots of healthy new growth.
Concluding
My professor and many of his colleagues are very curious about my fathers idea. They all have different opinions and ideas but agree on one thing, the plugs are doing what my father wanted them to do and are not impacting the trees health in any negative way, so far.
by OnlysneakyOxygen
2 Comments
Plugs were to keep moisture out of voids, im guessing? Cool trick! Just curious what your goals for the tree are, longevity, production, appeal? These will guide your next steps, and from your new training, you will know exactly how to pursue them. Old fruit trees are dope as hell, and Id like to formally submit my propasal for this new(old?) named variety of apple.
“Waxed Hole”
Very cool. I’ve got several extremely old apples myself, though they’re not in nearly as good condition. We’ve taken cuttings for grafting to new root stock to save the varieties