Sam:

That's a big job and with no assurance of success. It could as easily kill the tree as turn out well. Yes, I'd leave a nurse limb. Maybe when you cut it back it will sprout out low. It would only take one sprout from the scion and you could make a tree out of it.

Sounds easier to me to plant another tree with dwarf rootstock and known scion. I have an old Red Delicious apple that doesn't produce well but I keep it just because I like the way it looks.

Thank you for the reply fruitnut.

My wife and I do like the way the tree looks and it is in th eback corner of the yard so it does not get in the way of anything. I have even thought that maybe the criters will go after it before my other trees (As I mentioned I planted 32 new trees this year.)

What do you think about the possibility of it spreading disease and pests (aphids etc..) around the yard?

Again thanks.

Sincerely,
Sam

Sam:

It's possible the old tree could be a source of pestilence. But it's not likely to make any real difference in my estimation. With all those new trees you've probably got all the bases covered for production of good fruit. If you like the old tree like I do mine, why not keep it and see what happens. You can try the cutting back later if needed.