wedding hill apples

There are two old apple trees in close proximity to each other near the top of the sunny side of the hill. It was reported to us, decades ago, that the larger tree was a Northern Spy and the smaller a Winesap, but we’re not so sure. We don’t think the larger is a Northern Spy, the smaller may be Winesap but maybe more likely it could be a Baldwin, but we’re just uncertain as to what they are. The larger tree split in half a number of years ago during a particularly strong storm and is clinging to life and seems to be getting stronger. They both ripen in late October and both are delectable. 

There was a marriage on that hill 30 years ago this 2014. It seems like yesterday that the three happy and nimble farm children climbed the twisted old trees and tossed the apples down to us; the children are all grown and gone now to eastern cityscapes. Do they even remember those carefree times?  These apple trees have likely been picked by at least 3 different farm families. I don’t doubt that many a pie has been baked with them in the same old kitchen filled with apple pie aroma on a chilly but glorious autumn day.  

 It’s not impossible for a standard apple tree to live for 300 years- which is quite phenomenal! Can any apple tree grown today have a similar life expectancy? None of us will be around to tell of it. I also know from experience, that it’s not easy to get an apple tree to get to the point that you don’t have to worry about them anymore, rabbits can destroy a young tree in one evening’s meal and borers can decimate one.