Thanks Alchemist! The description starts with “select two laterals” though and I only have the one...I am sure a book on pruning would be a good thing to have though so I will look it up for general info.
Mr Vine Eye, the site said “Fan - selected tree for fan training” so I expected at least a couple of laterals in the right place, if not something quite so advanced as the lovely pic you posted.
OK-from what I can see from your photo, your leader has been cut. You need to bend the stronger shoot and the other weaker one to approx. 45 degrees and cut them to 33-40 cm to a bud. The place where the branch splits is a bit high but you can grow something by its leg.
You can can also train as in the photo sent by Mr. Vine Eye but the vertical leader is going to be a bit vigorous over others.
If possible try try posting a photo with the tree against the wall or fence so it’s clearer and for others up advice.
Yes I assume that was the intention of the seller from what I can see. As there seems to be a pruning cut above where the stronger branch is. Even if were the ‘leader’ you can turn it into one of the arms to redistribute the energy equally. Just be careful to do it in stages if it’s not pliable (15-15-15 degrees each time for eg) else you might snap it.
Here are some more photos for anyone interested in the fate of my little apple tree. I am inclined to try to gradually train the more upright branch to an appropriate angle and go from there, as per Alchemists suggestion, but just in case clearer pics shed more light on the matter...here it is from both sides.
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Mr Vine Eye, the site said “Fan - selected tree for fan training” so I expected at least a couple of laterals in the right place, if not something quite so advanced as the lovely pic you posted.
You can can also train as in the photo sent by Mr. Vine Eye but the vertical leader is going to be a bit vigorous over others.
If possible try try posting a photo with the tree against the wall or fence so it’s clearer and for others up advice.
I will try to get a better picture tomorrow - it’s a bit dark now. I appreciate the background is a bit cluttered.
👍
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Here are some more photos for anyone interested in the fate of my little apple tree. I am inclined to try to gradually train the more upright branch to an appropriate angle and go from there, as per Alchemists suggestion, but just in case clearer pics shed more light on the matter...here it is from both sides.