Neglected old fruit trees
1,858 views · Published 31 August 2010 · 2:39 · Indexed 12 October 2026
Channel: Stephen Hayes · 2010 · Education
I made this short vid a few weeks ago in Oxford, sorry I couldn't get any closer to the big old trees in this neglected orchard. I get many requests for advice from folks who inherit neglected old orchards. My advice is, first of all don't panic. Next, remove rubbishweeds etc from under trees, remove dead and grossly overcrowded branches, consider entire removal of any trees that are really sick and much too close to other trees (growing into each other) then WAIT FOR A YEAR to see what happens! These little old stands of neglected and forgotten trees are found all over, they often harbour much wildlife and bear important old fruit varieties as well as being a link with our ancestors, we should respect them and restore where possible.
