Apple Trees- Should I start over?

[kimberlyg]

Long story short, I've been gifted a very old apple orchard. The trees were never maintained, other than being randomly fertilized by the herd of cattle that share the pasture. They bear fruit but, of course, the apples are small and have sooty blotch and flyspec. I love apple cider and really want to prune them up. However, I'm not sure they are worth all that work. They are so tall, it will be very difficult to spray. Has anyone ever had any experience with old old apple trees? Should I just graph and start over?

[chamoisee]

I would keep them...but I like the older apple varieties and the standard trees. In my mind, apple trees should not be treated as disposable, but with the dwarf varieties, they essentially are....

[jwal10]

Cut out any wood that crosses, is diseased and bad crotches, then trim 1/3 of the height each year until you have them the size you want. You will have a lot of suckers for a few years, keep them removed. I would spray several times early in the spring and burn all infected wood and leaves. Keep the grass cut short, plant clover or cut sod out to the drip line. I too like the old homestead varieties. If the trees are too far gone and there are varieties you really like then graft them onto good rootstock....James

[kimberlyg]

Thanks! I have a lot of work ahead of me but I am encouraged by your posts.

[Marcia in MT]

I agree with the others that they are worth the work of keeping and bringing back into production. If nothing else, think of all those tremendous root systems that have developed -- you'll never get anything like that for a very long time with a new planting.