Pretty old apple tree in the garden which produces hundreds of not-great-tasting apples every year looks like it’s in a bit of a state. I had to cut back a weird branch that had been cut before, presumably because it shot out horizontally, and there’s a ton of rot.
It’s not in danger of hitting any buildings if it ever does fall, although could maybe take out a distracted child or two if I’m lucky.
Is there anything I can do to save it?
Very much appreciated!
Are you saying that on a nursery tree, if the flare is buried it is already a lost cause? (As in, there's no way to excavate it out and leave it exposed when transplanting into the soil that will actually work?)
Not at all. You can gently excavate down until the root flare is exposed in most cases. It is, however, a red flag for how the tree has been taken care of and if you can find a better looking one it's easier to just go with that one.
That makes a ton of sense!
EDIT: Final question: do you know if there is something similar that applies to more "vine-y" fruit plants like raspberries and grapes?
The same principles should apply to any woody perennial plant, but maybe not exactly. You still don't want them planted too deep, but they might not have a visible root flare. Since they are smaller, faster growing plants than trees I think they adapt better to inconveniences. But don't quote me on that. They are technically covered by arboriculture but I do 95% of my work with trees. Vines and brambles aren't really my area of expertise.