It’s apple tree pruning time. There are many centuries-old apple trees around here that are kept just for their appearance. Gnarly is a good look in Maine. The apples from these “just love ‘em” trees are not harvested for fruit or cider; they fall to the ground and feed the wildlife.
That’s not the way it was in the first half of the 1500’s when the apple tree – not a native -- originated in Maine, according to historians. Those original trees were planted on our offshore islands by roving European fisherman who wanted to create a renewable fruit supply for their visits. (Brooklin, Maine)