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Pruning espalier apple

mikebez1mikebez1 Posts: 16
in Fruit & veg
I planted two espalier trees this year. They have two sets of lateral branches. I know want to start the third. When do I prune the main stem to create side shoots. Is it now. 

Posts

  • bookmonsterbookmonster Posts: 399
    Look on the that website. New tires you do in winter, in summer you prune side shoots growing off the tiers
  • bookmonsterbookmonster Posts: 399
    Silly autocorrect, r h s
  • mikebez1mikebez1 Posts: 16
    Hi. I have read the rhs but still don’t get it. When do I prune the main stem on an espalier to promote side growth. Ie. A new level for my espalier. Is it now or in January’s. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited August 2019
    “In November cut back the central leader to within 18” of the lower arm, leaving three good buds to form new central leader and two new horizontal arms.”

    extract from Growing Fruit by Harry Baker published by the RHS.

     This should be your bible if you’re  growing trained fruit trees. 
    It has clear diagrams and concise directions. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • bookmonsterbookmonster Posts: 399
    Shaping happens over winter
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