Transplanted and coppiced apple tree

highdef

A couple of months ago, my father in law had to get rid of his 30 year old apple tree in county Meath. Several had to go but this was his favourite. I said I could take it and replant it at my house in Longford. So I cut it right down and moved it. It has since resprouted very very well. I want to grow it as a standard, like the way it was before. Would the recommendation be to cut off all shoots but just leave the most central and vertically aligned shoot and let that grow, trimming away any side growth from that until it reaches a point where I'd like it to branch out?

I assume it would also be best to cut off the short mature limbs as well?

looksee

Wow, that's reassuring for my fallen down tree (which is doing fine). I'd be more inclined to let it grow 3 or 4 branches in a bowl shape, since that is how you are supposed to prune them anyway. I don't think you should try and grow a single trunk, the shoots are going to grow anyway. I am no expert, that's just a gut feeling.

You could cut off that thinner branch on the left, go back right to the collar but don't cut the collar off (the slightly bulgy bark where the branch leaves the trunk.

deandean

Wow! I think mother luck was on your side there OP.

+1 with Looksee, have multiple risers. And I'd prune them so as to keep everything low, i.e. <2m.

Hoping the nextgen apples are good :-)

The Continental Op

OP you could always see if you could save that tree another way?

https://irishseedsavers.ie/2025/02/06/rootstock-bundles-for-sale-perfect-for-grafting-enthusiasts/

That was last year so if interested check with them for next season.

Still this year https://irishseedsavers.ie/product/bud-grafting-saturday-23rd-august/