It’s worth fighting for every tree…

Yesterday, I had the great honor of taking part in the rescue of a huge old apricot tree that had been severely affected by moniliosis. This meant that most of the young shoots had dried out—in other words, after the disease struck, most of the crown had withered.

Normally, chemical treatments are used against this disease. But what if we are firmly opposed to using chemicals in the garden? The only option left was to remove the dry branches mechanically.

Many people would simply cut the tree down in such a case and plant a new one. But upon closer inspection, we noticed many healthy young shoots. Some were even growing from old wood, just as happens with heavy rejuvenation pruning of peach trees when light reaches previously shaded parts of the branches. This is a sign that the tree is vital. I am constantly amazed by the strong will of plants to live.

I believe that every old tree, a witness of past times, deserves our respect. Perhaps for a hundred years it has given to us—abundant harvests, shade, oxygen, homes for birds, and it has shaped the genius loci of the garden and the house. It is time to repay its generosity with care.

With the help of a long ladder, telescopic pruners, and a pruning saw, we managed to reach even the edges of the crown and great heights. After the pruning, the tree looked like a giant bonsai :-))))

We started in the morning and finished after dark. Tired, but happy. I wish this majestic, beautiful tree strength to win its battle and to bring joy to its owners for many years to come…

Thank you!