pruning 101

I posted a request for advice on pruning fruit trees on a local board. I have received amazing advice, and am humbled by the assistance. I have learned why pruning cuts are made at 45 degree angles (to prevent standing water on the cut, and possible rot), to make the cut at the same angle that branch meets the main trunk (this makes sense ~ in a like needs like sense?). If the cut is at the proper angle, it promotes healing of the cut in the ways that trees heal their wounds.

Andy just reminded me that part of what happened with the tree is related to the ice storm which occurred last winter. The ice storm (I always think of the Frost poem "Birches") bowed the tree from a straight position next to the fence, into a angled position towards the center of the yard. He also thought the tree had been part of the original orchards planted in the 1920's. Sigh. More information, but I feel like hiding. I had been cutting some of the right branches, but had been doing so at the wrong angles.

On Monday, a woman with apple pruning experience will be visiting me. She answered my plea for help, and I feel maybe, just maybe, we can begin to mend and heal some of the damage. Another person wrote that apple trees are very forgiving. I can feel the forgiveness, I just hope it survives our ignorance. I would like to do something for the tree to ease its shock. Jennifer will give me nettles for the tea. I am wondering at what else I can do.