Apple tree, dead branch, advice please.

Grays

Hi all,
We inherited this beautiful apple tree, last year we had a few problems with it not looking too healthy at one point.
Anyway, we have what appears to be a completely dead branch, is it best to just saw this off now? Or is there a time of year that would be better?
Any advice regarding the upkeep and pruning of the tree would be greatly appreciated.
Hopefully the photos show the problem.
Thanks in advance.

pansyface

Was the branch dead like that last year or just ailing?

Anybody living in the nest box?

While you are thinking about it, you might like to read this article and watch the very helpful video about apple canker. 

https://www.gardenfocused.co.uk/fruitarticles/pest-disease/canker.php

Grays

I think it was just ailing.
There are no birds nesting in the box.
I will have a read of the article thanks.
I forgot to add, there has always been a lot of mistletoe growing in the tree.
It is a bit worrying as I would hate to lose the tree. 

Thanks.

pansyface

Well, it’s hard to tell from a photo exactly where the dead part begins and where the live part starts. But personally I’d cut off that dead branch as close to the trunk as you can. It looks like it might fall on somebody’s head anyway.

When sawing it off, begin with a cut on the underside then saw from the top down to meet the first cut. That way you’ll do least damage.

Go around the tree and see if there are signs of canker and follow the advice on the video.

Mistletoe isn’t a problem and it won’t damage the tree.

Grays

Many thanks for the advice.