I'm a Deep (deeeeeeeep) Southerner so I'm pretty much a noob when it comes to apples (I rely heavily on pears, persimmons, and plums); however, that being said, I have planted multiple "southern" varieties over the past couple of years (Arkansas Black, Yates, Carter's Blue, Brogden) although unfortunately they are all young trees so no producers yet. I also started dabbling into the crabapples more in depth this year, and thanks to some forum members who sent me scions (shoutout to Fish), I successfully grafted two varieties on B111.8 rootstock. They've leafed out already and I'm excited to see them take off.
Whoops. Add Shell of Alabama and Anna to my list of apple trees planted, too.
I'm trying to agree with you Native, but I just have to take exception to the pruning mentality at least in part. Since I had to work today, I got to stare at another tree that has had one heavy trimming in the last 20 years I've been beside it. As with those that I mentioned, it has produced every year except the trimming year. And these trees I speak of don't just produce yearly, but do so at breaking point of the limbs by shear weight of the number of apples. These particular 3 trees are out of control by orchard standards, but are producing heavy year after year. I think, in part based on your writing early in this thread, that the thickness of the canopy that is allowed to grow, increases leaf numbers hence photosynthesis ability, hence improved health of the tree, resulting in bumper crops yearly with no imput from its owners/me with pruning or spraying. I know the theory of pruning, as I was taught to prune so that a bird could fly thru, but over time I have learned to question that idea.
Perhaps I am lazy, but if the constant tx of fruit trees that read about on different forums is so dang important, why do these examples outproduce what I observe elsewhere. I'm using just these three close trees as example, but I have repeated it many times over the years. Convince me I need the pruning on my trees that are tough mothers making it on their own. I'm not trying to be a SA, just need the knowledge. What if the dwarf and semi dwarf shouldn't be pruned. Maybe that is why there is so much issue with them and their limitations?
I'm trying to agree with you Native, but I just have to take exception to the pruning mentality at least in part. Since I had to work today, I got to stare at another tree that has had one heavy trimming in the last 20 years I've been beside it. As with those that I mentioned, it has produced every year except the trimming year. And these trees I speak of don't just produce yearly, but do so at breaking point of the limbs by shear weight of the number of apples. These particular 3 trees are out of control by orchard standards, but are producing heavy year after year. I think, in part based on your writing early in this thread, that the thickness of the canopy that is allowed to grow, increases leaf numbers hence photosynthesis ability, hence improved health of the tree, resulting in bumper crops yearly with no imput from its owners/me with pruning or spraying. I know the theory of pruning, as I was taught to prune so that a bird could fly thru, but over time I have learned to question that idea.
Perhaps I am lazy, but if the constant tx of fruit trees that read about on different forums is so dang important, why do these examples outproduce what I observe elsewhere. I'm using just these three close trees as example, but I have repeated it many times over the years. Convince me I need the pruning on my trees that are tough mothers making it on their own. I'm not trying to be a SA, just need the knowledge. What if the dwarf and semi dwarf shouldn't be pruned. Maybe that is why there is so much issue with them and their limitations?
Thanks Native, I hope i'm not derailing this thread, but your leaf mass theory thinking got me thinking. My trees were def sold as semidwarf 27 years ago, but it you remember I asked one time if indeed places were selling trees that weren't really dwarf. And I confess, perhaps my trees get more thinning than I admit as I frequently have to trim excess fruit on the tree so they can survive, and so I can mow under them. I always admire you and others immaculate fruit tree maintenance and I look at mine and feel slight tinge of guilt. I guess like some kids, they just didn't get as good a parent to raise them. LOL.
I do wonder of the increase in leaf canopy does help prevent some problems, and when it does occur, like a human, they have more ability to adapt and survive. I see same thing in oak trees and their dealing with their diseases. My fruit trees show slight issues over the years, but it doesn't seem to slow them. Maybe you could choose a couple trees and go against your will and just let them go on their own and see how they respond. If they die, I will buy you new and help you replant. Give me a good excuse to come your way. Thanks for the responses and as always learned a lot. I'll let the thread return to its original premise. Headed to apple haven in a few minutes, have a great day.
Re: honeycrisp ( from foodstore produce)
For the hell of it , I got a seed or 2 to germinate in a wet paper towel in march and threw it into RM18
Just transplanted it to RB II 1 gallon yesterday
Am i chasing windmills?
bill