[Taff the Welder]

Good-day allotmentees all. In brief, I’m Gary on the Windy Ridge site in South Wales. Second season on the patch and living proof that you learn by mistakes….

While I’m here could I glean some advice?

I’ve just noticed I have buds appearing on a two year apple old tree I thought I’d lost to the harsh winter. While being chuffed that the hardy little devil has made it  , there are more buds on the rootstock then the main branches.  What, if anything, do I do with the rootstock buds?

Many Thanks

[JayG]

Morning Taff!

I'll move your question to the "Grow your own" board as it is more likely to be seen by members who might have the answer. 

[mumofstig]

when you say the buds are on the rootstock, do you mean that they are twigs growing below the graft?
(The graft is a bumpy/lumpy bit on the stem usually near soil level.)

[Goosegirl]

Sounds as if the rootstock is flourishing but the grafted apple is not. If that's the case, I would rub off the buds on the rootstock - see what others say first.

[Trillium]

I'd take the rootstock buds off as well, otherwise the rootstock will take over and the top part will die off eventually - which is not what you want.

[mumofstig]

but the buds might just be on the stem, above the graft............Taff needs to check that first I reckon

[Taff the Welder]

Had another look this afternoon, got 4 buds that are looking to break into leaves by the look of them, below the graft, but several weaker looking buds further up the main stem.
Unless anyone knows for certain, I think the best course will be to do as the goosegirl & Trillium suggest.  I’ll take the buds off below the graft with a sharp knife.  Do I risk Cankers or other ailments if I don’t seal the wound after or will a dab of Vaseline keep the bugs away until it heals?