One vital implement that Bruce did not include in the photo is a wire brush!! This was used to brush all the lichen and moss off the branches and the trunks. Other "stuff" used included something called "bouillie bordelaise" to disinfect each cut and a very gloopy substence to cap/protect the cut area. First I cut out all the dead wood and then the branches that were crossing over others. I also cleaned up at the base of the trees and removed all the ivy (and in the case of 1 tree, some mistletoe!!). The 100s of ladybirds sheletering in the ivy did not like that so I have reproduced at the foot of the trees little shelters of ivy as I am sure that ladybirds are necessary in order to eat the bad bugs! I have also left the dog roses which grow between the 2 main apple trees as I assume they have been encouraged there to attract bees ..and other insects which facilitate pollination. Lets hope that the trees will survive the onslaught. I will be happy with just a few apples next year... as they may have had a bit of a chock! The 2 apple trees done so far are a local species "Reinette de Chatellerault" and have been planted by my grandfather in 1940 (as indicated in the notebook in which he recorded everything connected with La Cote). It's OK as apparently apple trees can live until they are 100! According to the books, we should leave the prune and cherry trees alone until they have fruited. We have found no instructions so far for fig trees... any ideas out there??
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