[andreadon]

I didn't take a picture, but basically I've got an apple tree (possibly....) that's really knocked down. It's been like that since I got the plot but I was really waiting to see if it was still alive.

It's at a really shallow angle to the ground, but I can move it a bit.
There's a short pipe next to it, which moves and has string wrapped.
Today I put a bit of wood next to it - a foot at least into the ground, to secure it higher up, but that's moving too.

Should I put one of the long heating pipes (like the ones I made my munty frame from) on the under side as a kind of upward prop? Maybe another one on the upper side?
I'd need to push them further into the ground, but I didn't really have time today.

Is it worth trying?

[jambop]

I reckon you could straighten it a bit at a time with a ratchet strap and a stout post rammed into the ground. Fix the strap around the base of the tree and gently tighten it a bit every now and then. The roots should give a bit at a time when you reach the vertical fix a post into the ground for it.

[Goosegirl]

Do like jambop said and put a stout prop on the other side, get a long tree tie, loop it round the trunk, then attach it to the prop so you can gently tighten it at intervals.

[Zoejcksn]

I have this apple tree, it’s been on an abandoned plot for 6 years. Now my job to sort out. May try straighten it a bit get it away from the greenhouse.

[DHM]

Andreadon, its worth investing a tenner on a 3-5 lb lump hammer. I bought one yesterday and it made light work of driving posts and metal into the groumd.

[juvenal]

All previous advice is good. Basically what I've done myself over the past three years with a recumbent apple tree, and it's slowly working. Posts, props and ties. Extra support when heavy with apples.

[andreadon]

Ratchet strap!
Excellent idea! It didn't even occur to me. And it'll do less damage to the bark.

DHM, I know this might surprise everyone, given the amount of bashing with bricks and normal hammers we've been doing, but I do actually have a lump hammer 
but it's in the tent peg bag.
I might have to buy one just for the allotment....

[sunshineband]

How big is the tree?
 Whenw e took over our second plot there was a fairly mature dwarf tree, say 2m high, growing at a 45deg angle. We dug it up, with as much rootball as possible.. took three of us... and replanted it (in a different spot) upright, with support posts driven in at an angle so the top end faced into the prevailing wind, and the tree firmyl tied with cloth strips in a figure of 8 to protect the bark but render the rootball immovable. Lots of water for the first year, took off any apples for the past two Summers and now it is just fine and looks lovely. Stakes are staying in place of course

There is just about time left to be able to do this kind of thing, before the leaves come out, or leave it until the Autumn

Just another thought

[jambop]

Ratchet strap!
Excellent idea! It didn't even occur to me. And it'll do less damage to the bark.

DHM, I know this might surprise everyone, given the amount of bashing with bricks and normal hammers we've been doing, but I do actually have a lump hammer 
but it's in the tent peg bag.
I might have to buy one just for the allotment....

Do be careful not to put too much strain on the tree as you may damage it and there is an alternative below if the tree is not too large.

[andreadon]

Sorry, I forgot to reply!

Thank you - I'll be careful with it. the trunk is about 4" wide, I think, so not too mature and it seems to have a bit of give.
I'll do it very slowly.