Espalier apple trees are a beautiful and practical addition to any garden. They are trained to grow flat against a wall or fence, which makes them ideal for small gardens or for those who want to save space. Pruning is an essential part of growing espalier apple trees as it helps to keep the tree healthy and to promote fruit production.
When to Prune Espalier Apple Trees
The best time to prune an espalier apple tree is during the dormant season, which is typically between late winter and early spring. During this time, the tree is not actively growing, which makes it easier to see the structure of the tree and to make precise cuts.
Pruning during the dormant season also minimizes the risk of damage to the tree, as the sap is not flowing as actively during this time. This reduces the chance of the tree bleeding excessively from cuts, which can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease.
Pruning during the dormant season also allows the tree to focus its energy on producing new growth and fruit, rather than repairing damaged branches. Pruning during the growing season can stimulate new growth, which may not have time to mature and harden off before the winter, increasing the risk of damage from cold weather.
How to Prune Espalier Apple Trees
The first step in pruning an espalier apple tree is to remove any dead, diseased or damaged wood. This will help to keep the tree healthy and to prevent the spread of disease. Dead wood can be identified by its lack of leaves, while diseased wood may have discolored or distorted bark or leaves. Damaged wood may be broken or split, or may have been damaged by insects or animals.
Removing dead, diseased or damaged wood is important because it can harbor pests and diseases that can spread to healthy wood. It can also interfere with the flow of sap through the tree, reducing its overall health and productivity.
Next, remove any water sprouts or suckers that have grown from the base of the tree or from the main branches. These shoots will not produce fruit and will only take away from the tree’s energy. Water sprouts are vigorous vertical shoots that grow from the trunk or from older branches, while suckers are shoots that grow from the roots.
Water sprouts and suckers should be removed as soon as they are noticed, as they can quickly take over the tree and interfere with its growth and productivity. They can also create a tangled mess of branches that is difficult to prune and maintain.
The next step is to shape the tree. Espalier apple trees are typically trained to grow in a horizontal or diagonal pattern, with the main branches growing along wires or trellises. The specific shape of the tree will depend on the type of espalier pattern being used.
The most common espalier patterns for apple trees are the cordon, the fan and the Belgian fence. The cordon is a single horizontal or diagonal stem with lateral branches growing off it. The fan is a series of branches that fan out from a central trunk or stem. The Belgian fence is a series of cordons that are arranged in a diagonal or zigzag pattern.
To create the desired shape, the main branches should be trained to grow along the wires or trellis. This can be done by tying the branches to the support with soft ties or by attaching them with wire clips. The lateral branches should be pruned back to 2-3 buds, to encourage the growth of new fruiting spurs.
It is important to maintain a balance between the number of fruiting spurs and the amount of new growth. Fruiting spurs are small, stubby branches that produce flowers and fruit. They should be pruned back to one or two buds, to encourage the growth of new spurs. New growth should be pruned back to 3-4 buds, to prevent it from taking over the tree and reducing the overall fruit production.
It is important to keep the tree’s shape in mind when pruning. The goal is to create a balanced tree with evenly spaced branches that will produce a good crop of fruit. The branches should be spaced about 6-8 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and light penetration.
Once the tree has been shaped, it is important to maintain its structure through regular pruning. This involves removing any excess growth and keeping the tree’s shape intact. The tree should be pruned every year to prevent it from becoming overgrown and unmanageable.
Conclusion
Espalier apple trees are a beautiful and practical addition to any garden. With proper pruning, they can be trained to grow in a variety of shapes and patterns, making them ideal for small gardens or for those who want to save space. Pruning can seem intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes easier and more enjoyable. The end result is a beautiful, healthy tree that produces a bountiful crop of delicious apples.
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