There are these two old apple trees around. One of them is in the sun; the old trunk fell over, new trunks sprouted up, and the entire tree is in the process of being smothered by native grapevines. Neither the grapes nor the apples have fruited in recent years. This is a favorite of birds and other wildlife, who like to hide amongst the limbs. The other tree is in a sunny spot of the forest, a similar situation but not smothered by grapevines, and a little more vigorous looking because of that. Pictures are below.
I’m wondering what you would do in this case? Is it worth the effort of trying to prune back the old fallen trunks so that the new growth can thrive and fruit?
My vote would be to try to prune and restore. I think the wildlife would still use it some, but I worry if you leave it too much longer that the wildlife will be nesting in a brush pile instead of a tree.
"When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind." C.S. Lewis
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Doody calls. I would really rather that it didn't. Comfort me wise and sterile tiny ad: