Advice Trimming broken branches

[PiedmontAngler]

I have lost two of the major lower branches on my 4 yr old apple tree, They are not broken off completely, but are hanging (half broken off) Is there any saving these or what is the best way to trim and patch the spots?

[LwnmwnMan2]

How big in diameter are the branches?

I'm sure Powerstroke will have the correct answer, but I'd just get a good set of sharp loppers (unless the branches are 4+" in diameter, then you'll have to use a saw, and cut the branch off about 2-3" from the trunk of the tree.

There's no saving the branches.

[LABS4ME]

Get those cut off and cleaned up as soon as possible. Apple trees are generally pruned in the winter when dormant and they are beginning to break dormancy right now. Bugs and fungus' will begin to enter the wound the longer you go. Cut as close to the trunk where it will make the smallest wound possible but still give you a 'clean' cut.

If you look at the branch where it juts out from the trunk as a thicker portion narrowing down to the diameter of the branch, this is called the collar. You want to trim the branch at the point where the collar becomes the branch.

With apples sterilize your pruner or saw after each cut. Use a 10% bleach solution and clean the blade to minimize the transmission of disease. Do not cover the wound with any of the tar 'wound sealers'. They actually hinder the healing process.

Good Luck!

Ken

[Powerstroke]

Labs gave a you a pretty good idea of what to do. There is no saving a broken branch. Your best bet is to remove them at the branch collar. If it is a larger branch cut it a few inches from the trunk first to remove the weight and to avoid the risk of tearing the bark. Then cut off the stub like Labs suggested. This will provide the fastest healing to seal the wound. Cutting now is not too bad since none of the bugs or diseases is out yet, but your window of opportunity is about 7-14 days.

"Wound sealers" do nothing and should not be used. I would suggest trying a fertilizer for your tree to help it recover. Its only a couple years old and probably needed those branches. Without them it may not get enough food. Remember to treat for apple scab this spring if your tree is not disease resistant. Avoiding any undue stress will help it along.