My mother-in-law has about 6 mature apple trees. A week ago one of them lost a major branch (about 12" dia). On investigating, I saw there was an old scar on the crook of the branch, precisely in the load bearing section.

I'm wondering if someone could refer me to a good consultant who could come out and look at all her trees, help us determine if there is risk of other branches breaking and maybe give me some pointers about the proper way to prune and maintain these trees.

The house is located in SW Portland, near the Sylvan exit off Hwy 26. If anyone has a name/number they could send me it would be highly appreciated!

thanks,

Carlos

How ironic, I broke my leg and a limb broke.
The problem can be taken car of. I assume the limb did not completely come off the tree. The old scar is probably a "bark inclusion" that is as the limb grew and the stem grew they grew together trapping the bark in the crotch of the tree. Common when the branches are not spread to 60-degree angles. Enough. Solution.

If the limb has a lot of weight you may want to remove some of it.
You will want to cut away the old scar to fresh wood, just be sure that you can fit the broken limb as close as possible to the cut.
In doing so you will want to match the cambium, just beneath the bark of the limb and main stem. If the limb is partially attached this should be no problem, just line them up.
Raise the broken limb to this position, you may want to prop it up, tie it up or cable the limb up. It is all right to drill a hole and attach an eye bolts for the cable. Have a broad plate at the base to add some protection to the limb and tree. In a few years these may be removed or left fro prosterity.
Make the fit as tight and firm as possible
Once the limb is in position apply a seal of foam insulation over the wound. This is the spray foam that is available in an aerosol can.
Hope my limb will heal as fast as your limb.

Ted

Carlos: "I'm wondering if someone could refer me to a good consultant who could come out and look at all her trees, help us determine if there is risk of other branches breaking and maybe give me some pointers about the proper way to prune and maintain these trees."

Carlos, Viron here; if, after Ted's advice, you'd still like someone to look over the orchard, I just stumbled onto the following tree service while searching for a commercial pole pruner...

"Roots and Shoots tree service company" from M.D. Vaden, owner of this site.

http://www.mdvaden.com/certified-arborist.shtml

http://www.mdvaden.com/

The top site appears to be owned by M.D. Vaden, who've apparently relocated to Southern Oregon; somewhat confusing - but the more I read - the more sense it made. And, I loved their Advice Pages, Pruning, and Album of photos. Everything I read advice-wise was very close to what I've experienced. The photo page is informative, with enlarging photos of various tree problems, and solutions. I've saved it to my ever-growing list of "Favorites."

Though I've never dealt with 'either company,' I remembered your question and thought they may be a good option for you. Good luck

And Ted --- tell me you didn't fall out of a tree.. Viron