Thanks for the replies. I've just checked and the branches will just about bend into an upright position. One of them in particular would require quite a strong frame to keep it upright and with them all bending over the same way I'm struggling to envisage how to keep the cane frame would keep upright, unless it was somehow tethered to the trunk of the tree or a ground stake?
Yes you could use the existing stakes to support a framework of canes to train it to the shape you want. I still think it is either responding to the light direction or prevailing wind.
Just had yet another thought since so many branches are bending down you could try training it as a "festoon" ! that would be different. I cant find a decent image to show you but basically the branches are bent down to form a weeping habit. Just to throw another curved ball
Yes you could use the existing stakes to support a framework of canes to train it to the shape you want. I still think it is either responding to the light direction or prevailing wind.
Just had yet another thought since so many branches are bending down you could try training it as a "festoon" ! that would be different. I cant find a decent image to show you but basically the branches are bent down to form a weeping habit. Just to throw another curved ball
I'd be surprised if it's light - looking down the garden, as in that photo, is basically south-east (a little nearer east) so it gets full light all day. I was thinking about that and I reckon it was the weight of the fruit. The branches were slightly curved in that direction when I got it, then it fruited the same year and last year both of which caused the branches to droop further in that direction.
I think I'd prefer a normal tree shape, so I have to come up with the best support frame thing that doesn't turn it into a garden eyesore!
The weight of fruit might make the branches bend downwards, but it won't make the branches change direction of their growth, as has happened with the two branches to the left of the tree in the photo ... all the branches are following approximately the same direction of growth ... that means they are all responding to the same influence which, in a plant, is most likely to be light or wind.
Wind can whip around the corners of buildings or be funnelled along passages between houses ... it's really surprising how that sort of thing can affect growth.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Fair enough it would be a lot of work at first. Once you have a strong framework of branches established you should be able to do away with the support but it may take 3-4 years.
Wind can whip around the corners of buildings or be funnelled along passages between houses ... it's really surprising how that sort of thing can affect growth.
Out of the two, it would have to be wind I guess. Perhaps it gets funneled along the old embankment and then curves round into our garden when it hits neighbouring houses. I suppose once it gets a bit more established it might resist such forces.
Fair enough it would be a lot of work at first. Once you have a strong framework of branches established you should be able to do away with the support but it may take 3-4 years.
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And remember, 'growth follows the knife' ... so prune harder on the side of the tree you where the most growth is needed.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
OK thanks for the advice, I'll get tying and chopping over the weekend, but might skip the tights idea :-)
Yes you could use the existing stakes to support a framework of canes to train it to the shape you want. I still think it is either responding to the light direction or prevailing wind.
Just had yet another thought since so many branches are bending down you could try training it as a "festoon" ! that would be different. I cant find a decent image to show you but basically the branches are bent down to form a weeping habit. Just to throw another curved ball
I'd be surprised if it's light - looking down the garden, as in that photo, is basically south-east (a little nearer east) so it gets full light all day. I was thinking about that and I reckon it was the weight of the fruit. The branches were slightly curved in that direction when I got it, then it fruited the same year and last year both of which caused the branches to droop further in that direction.
I think I'd prefer a normal tree shape, so I have to come up with the best support frame thing that doesn't turn it into a garden eyesore!
The weight of fruit might make the branches bend downwards, but it won't make the branches change direction of their growth, as has happened with the two branches to the left of the tree in the photo ... all the branches are following approximately the same direction of growth ... that means they are all responding to the same influence which, in a plant, is most likely to be light or wind.
Wind can whip around the corners of buildings or be funnelled along passages between houses ... it's really surprising how that sort of thing can affect growth.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Fair enough it would be a lot of work at first. Once you have a strong framework of branches established you should be able to do away with the support but it may take 3-4 years.
Out of the two, it would have to be wind I guess. Perhaps it gets funneled along the old embankment and then curves round into our garden when it hits neighbouring houses. I suppose once it gets a bit more established it might resist such forces.
OK thanks, that gives me a ballpark for how long it'll need supporting for. I'll have to get my creative head on and come up with a support frame