My Apple Tree - advice needed

Hi, this is my first post on here. I’m a budding enthusiast new to the hobby.

So, I cut my rampant apple tree back quite severely last year and it is budding really well this spring. While I was checking the garden I spotted a trunk with what I felt was quite a promising shape and branch structure, so I though I’d try air layering it. At the end of the day this while section is going to have to go anyway as it’s growing in the wrong place, so in an attempt to save it I don‘t really lose anything if it goes wrong.

I’d like to ask your advice on where to position the cuts in the bark, either at (1) or (2). In position 2 there would be an annoying second trumk that I would likely have to turn into a jin, but I kind of like the gnarly bark around the branching off, so thought it was worth asking what you thought about this.

Sorry the picture isn’t the greatest.

Matte079 wrote: Sorry the picture isn’t the greatest.

Well... I cannot tell if the picture isn't the greatest, really.

Hmm, that's aukward, I definitely attached a picture in my original post and hadn't realised it didn't upload.

Matte079 wrote: Hmm, that's aukward

LOL.. good one.

I would go for the.lower. eventually you will cut tooa at the higher mark to get good taper. The side branch can be removed next year and if treated properly, the cut will close over.

Auk wrote:

Matte079 wrote: Hmm, that's aukward

LOL.. good one.

Thanks!

leatherback wrote: I would go for the.lower. eventually you will cut tooa at the higher mark to get good taper. The side branch can be removed next year and if treated properly, the cut will close over.

That's a good point actually. If done right it might make for some added interest in the trunk, which is a little plain as it is.

Thanks for the feedback!