Vandalised Apple Trees

[Colin_Bellamy-Wood]

Hi everyone, I've been missing simply because of the lack of time to access this site.   I declared a zero tolerance on weeds, and including the need to wet everything I'm not getting home till 9pm or later.

However, I need help please for one of our allotmenteers.  A couple of nights ago our allotment was vandalised (again) and this time John's apple trees were chopped cleanly.   They are about 2 years old, were about 5ft tall, and have had about 18 inches chopped off.   Any side branches are on the chopped off pieces.

Does John replace these trees, or will they eventually recover?

[Colin_Bellamy-Wood]

[Palustris]

How sick can you get? However, as long as there is trunk above the graft union (usually just about at soil level) then the tree will reshoot from the remaining stem. But it may take a while for the new growth to reach the stage of producing fruit. And the tree may not get as tall as originally. You would also need to keep and eye open for any growth from below the graft union. I would also recommend a good nitrogen feed to stimulate leaf growth to help the plant replace those which it lost. When the trunk does start to regrow, it would also be valuable to rub out any growths which point in the wrong direction or are too low down the trunk. Aim for three radiating branches equally spaced if they are free standing trees. More specialist styles of growth control would take a long time to describe.
Best of luck anyway.

[Colin_Bellamy-Wood]

Thanks Eric, I was hoping that you would come on with your advice, which I will pass on to John.   Much appreciated.

[tim]

Every day that passes, I thank God that we have - so far - been spared that - or robbery. So many in the village have suffered the latter.
Fingers crossed. = Tim

[Palustris]

Had a thought Colin, what you have is a one year old feathered maiden, so treatment would be the same as for that.  Might be worth replanting if quicker results are wanted.

[Mrs Ava]

Colin, glad to see you back, and sorry to hear about what happened at your allotment to your mates trees.  How sickening!  I'm with you Tim, out allotment is so open.......doesn't even bare thinking about!  :-[