Two old apple trees - any advice please

[Smudge2201]

Hi, we’ve been in our house since September and I’ve been working to revive the very under loved garden. I’ve finally cleared the far end so I can see these two old (at least 80yrs old) apple trees properly. I have no idea what I am doing with them. Do they look ok as they are or do they look like they need pruning? And if so, is it something I could do myself or one for the professionals?

In no way an expert, but that looks like one tree, in very desperate need of pruning. Get a professional in.

Thank you, they are two trees on either side of the same bit of garden. I think they were pruned by a professional 4-5 years ago but not since then as far as I know. I think you are right. I think my options are wait and see how they do next year and the decide or get someone in to do something now.

The second picture is a different tree from the first

You could do it yourself. Here’s how

If you’re getting a professional in, choose carefully. It’s not a physically demanding job. You’re paying for expertise not grunt. The person you need won’t be the lowest quote you receive, and will be correct if they suggest spreading it out over 3 years.

Do you get any apples? Do you like them? Or is the attraction an already mature tree with blossom in the spring? The answer may determine how much you want to spend.

Thank you, I think it’s going to be too tall to do myself sadly. Thank you for the tips on picking a professional, that’s really useful, and I am expecting it to take several years as I don’t want to shock the trees into sending out lots of water shoots.

it’s mainly for sentimental reasons as well as wanting to get some fruit off of them. It was my Nan and grandad’s house so I have memories of these trees going back flirty years. One is an eater and one is a cooker. I can’t say how well they crop as at the moment, due to the having no airflow and being very overgrown, most of the fruit seems to drop rotten.