Apple is really difficult to root from cuttings.

If you were to use the wood to graft to another tree or rootstock, that is normally done with either fully dormant scions or in summer with new wood.

It may be technically possible with the wood you have, but to what end?

Apple wood is very good for adding a smokey flavor to barbeque.

Confused:

That's upsetting, but as murky says, apples are tough to root. and if you're a newbie, I wouldn't want to discourage you from trying the craft of grafting.....but...maybe this isn't the time for that.

Have the buds already broken? If not, here's what I would really recommend: cut a whole handful (or two) of branchlets off the big branch, bring them indoors and stick them in some big vase. "Force" them! Get them to bloom indoors! Here in New England, I'd love to have early apple blossoms in my living room right now!

George
www.HeirloomOrchardist.com

Argh I can only hope that the remaining apples are going to be bigger and better since there are less to compete for nutrients now! :(

George, thanks for your input; unfortunately most buds have bloomed. I did try to cut the remaining few that has not fully broken yet. We'll see! And grafting is too much for a newbie like me. I'll cut it into firewood just so it isn't wasted.

I've seen it done. I wouldn't go longer that 6-8". Try the end 6" tips (youngest wood) sitting in buckets of clean water (up 1/3 the stem). Pick off any flower buds if they show up- waste of energy! Throw a couple willow branches in at the same time- it might help.
As said I saw it work once, didn't believe it but it did work- worth a shot!