The happy apple tree

[bunn]

The apple tree that used to be in the middle of the shrubbery was always a bit of a disappointment. It usually had some apples, but not very nice ones, and they were always a bit scabby and not very appetising. It had problems with some sort of rot that affected the tips of its branches and made them fall off. To be honest, I almost had it removed when we got rid of the rest of the shrubbery, but I decided it could have a chance as an island tree first.

So this year it's been on its own, and I gave it a bit of a mulch with some lawn clippings because I was too lazy to carry them to the top of the garden.

I now have what may be the world's happiest apple tree. It practically stands there humming to itself and dancing. The tip rot has completely vanished, and it is laden with delicious red apples which are pretty much scab-free. Result!

The apple trees at the top of the garden are not doing quite so well this year, but I think perhaps they are getting a bit congested. This winter I shall chop everything right back all around them and hope to be swamped in a sea of apples next autumn.

Comments

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

You wouldn't care to come and look at our pear tree, would you? It could do with some TLC!

[bunn.livejournal.com]

I can claim no expertise (actually, no expertise at all with pears, I don't have any). I just gave mine space and fed it. I've observed before that lawn mowings make great mulch, you really don't need to compost them first if you are putting them on shrubs or trees.

[chainmailmaiden]

I'm going to start using our lawn mowings as mulch. Our compost bin is full & we've not got round to getting another one yet. I hope my elderflower tree likes it, it still looks very sickly, which I find odd as elders usually thrive in all sorts of poor locations.