[chrissie B]

hi all just a quick one , we are coming back to england and have bought a house with an apple  tree in the gardenits a russet apple ive not seen it but hubbys there sorting things out for us we wont be there till march fingers crossed , anyway he says there is green moss growing on one side of the tree and wants to know if its a problem or can we get anything to remove it or just leave well alone is what i think .
looking forward to you advice
chrissie b

[aelf]

I would say leave it! If you do get rid, it will only come back and (although I don't know for sure) I don't think it does any harm.

The mossy side of the tree will face the direction that the rain usually comes from - could be useful information 

[mumofstig]

all the old orchard tree are the same without it being a problem.

[noshed]

Just tell him to cut out any dead or rotten branches and any that are crowded in the centre. It needs to have a good airflow through for pollenation, disease avoidance etc.

[chrissie B]

thanks for advice i thought leaving it alone would be the best idea could he prune it now or will march do as we dont have any gear there at the moment , its not a huge tree and the last owner just came and put some compost around it his own blend , im so excited hes left me c composter and adapted wheelie bin water butt and a shed you could do ballroom dancing in its like allme christmasses have come together .
thanks again
chrissie b

[Yorkie]

It needs to be done while the tree is still dormant.  March may be a little late, depending on how harsh the early spring is.

[chrissie B]

well i will tell him to do a bit now im sure he can borrow something, thanks again
chrissie b