Pictures absolutely required.

Yep - just went out and took some - will post in a little bit!

Ok, here are pics and explanations. I apologize if there are too many pics, but they articulate better than me sometimes! lol

Here is the apple tree sucker and one of it's branches that I cut off (darn, I forgot to take a pic of the cut and the "stump" left, I can add one if you like)

This post was edited by coatfetish on Fri, Apr 19, 13 at 9:11

Sorry, but I only get the option to add one pic per post so I have to keep posting to show pics of the other branches. How do you add multiple pics? If I add a second pic, it simply replaces the first.
So here's another one; it is small and rubs

This post was edited by coatfetish on Fri, Apr 19, 13 at 9:23

here is one that rubs AND grows backward into the center of the tree

This post was edited by coatfetish on Fri, Apr 19, 13 at 9:43

here is one I kept for a long time because I liked the sculptural shape, but my 6' 3" friends always hits his head on it. I will post just a pic too, of where it joins the tree - there are two other branches that join there.

btw, it had other sub branches - I trimmed them off yesterday thinking I might be able to cut this branch out without adding too much stress to the tree. The branch is the connection to the right...

Here is the cut from the sucker - I have more tiny suckers to cut this year too. Do I need to cut this closer to the ground, and do I leave it plain or do I coat it with something?

Thank you for any help!
~ Cindy ~

lastly (I promise!) here is an overall pic of the tree. It's raining out so it was hard to get good lighting, I hope it's ok.
Oh, and I meant to add - do you think I can take anything besides the original sucker off this year without over stressing the tree? My reading says to wait until mid August or winter during the dormant time, no problem there - but I want to make the tree healthier, not stress it. Thank you!

This post was edited by coatfetish on Fri, Apr 19, 13 at 9:46

Cut as close to ground level as possible. Keep saw where you can find it. New suckers happily replace old. Removing in mid-growing season can equate to slightly less vigorous regrowth. No paint.

+oM

Thank you! Actually I keep the saw in my car because I go driftwood "hunting" along the river banks - lol
I'll be sure to get all other suckers while they are very small so I don't have this problem again, and I will do so in the mid season as you suggest. Much appreciated!
~ Cindy ~