| The espalier technique of tree
shaping uses horizontal
wires as a way of growing trees in a vertical way, in this case it is an
apple tree. The word espalier initially referred to the actual
trellis on which the plant was trained to grow, but over time
has come to be used to describe the technique.
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| Arrange your
wires with 15cm distances approx 4 or 5 tiers up. Fix your wires before
you plant the tree as it will be easier than
when the tree is already growing. |
| Dig a hole and prepare the soil with
compost, manure and fertiliser. |
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| Ensure it is deep enough to get all the
roots in and allow them to spread out and so that when you put the plant
in the soil mark on the stem is the same level as the soil. |
| Plant your tree
and water well. If your tree is a maiden, the leader (main
stem) should be trimmed to 30cm from the ground and the top
three buds allowed to grow till spring. The top one is then
tied vertically up a cane whilst the other two are tied at
45 degree angles to the main stem. In November the two
diagonal stems can then be lowered until they are horizontal
to the stem. The vertical stem must now be lightly pruned to
encourage new leader and tier growth. Prune down to the next
upward facing bud. When new
shoots appear repeat the process as before of tying them to the canes. If
the tree has been bought already two or three tiered the process of tying
and training them can be started at planting. Any shoots that appear on
the main stem after the arms are established should be pruned back to one
leaf. All pruning on espalier trees should be done in summer. Water trees
well for the first couple of years, especially during hot
periods. |
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| 1)
For non espalier trees remove all side shoots after
planting; shorten the main stem to 1 to 2 buds above the
bottom wire. |
2)
Prune maiden trees back to 1-2 buds above bottom wire.
It may be necessary to tie in your main stem. |
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| 3)
In the following summer choose two shoots to form the
bottom branches and remove any below them. Leave the
main stem intact. |
4)
The following winter tie in lowest pair of branches to
canes and shorten the central leader. |
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| 5)
In the second summer choose your second pair of branches
and main stem. Treat as above (fig 3 & 4). |
6)
The following winter train your bottom pair of branches
into their final horizontal position. Shorten main stem
again to 1-2 buds above third wire. |
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| 7)
Continue this method until you reach your desired
height. Side shoots can be cut back to 3-4 buds in
winter. |
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| Certain types of trees are
better suited to this technique than others, although any
fruit tree will theoretically work. The branches of the plant
must be long and flexible. Examples of trees that take well to
espalier are olives, figs, lemons, apples and pears. Peaches, plums,
apricots and cherries can also be grown flat against a wall,
but are generally happier in less structured forms than those
used for apples and pears. |
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