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?