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Pruning my espalier apple trees.

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Posts

  • Thats when I do mine.😁
  • That's the time I do my apple, field maple, dogwood, and flamingo willow.😁
  • Yep, just before they start into growth in spring
    East Yorkshire
  • Thank you. One last thing. I have both Portuguese laurel and cherry laurel hedges, the former went in 2 years ago and is growing slowly and the latter went in this Oct. Should I cut them back to encourage growth? 
    I’m a bit reluctant as the Portuguese laurel hasn’t done much since I put it in - I guess it’s been growing roots as the plants were 6 foot high rootballs. And the cherry laurel has only just been planted. These were in pots, however. They are also about 6 foot high. 
    One good sign is that I did get blossom on quite a few of the Portuguese laurels this year, so I guess they’re starting to feel comfortable and perhaps might do some good growing next spring/summer.
    Thanks
  • All you need to give you confidence to cut back your Laurel hedge is here 

    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/656523/help-needed-please-with-laurel-hedge-issues/p1

    😊 



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





  • I’ve just bought and planted a couple of new espaliers. I’ve taken them off the cane frame and tied them onto wires. However, I’m not sure what to do with some of their features. Please could you give me some advice. 

    Some of the arms have double branches. Do I just select the strongest and prune off the other?


    One of the arms has this wound just as it comes away from the main stem. Is this likely to heal as the branch grows? As the plant is only small at the moment, I will be removing the blossoms to allow for more growth for a couple of years, so I’m not worried about the branch having to bear the weight of fruit. 
    Thank you for your advice.
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Yes choose the limb you want and cut out the other. Make sure you let the tip point upwards to encourage growth along the limb.
    That wound might be OK, it's a case of wait and see.
  • Ok, thanks!
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I would trim off any damaged limbs. It's a shame they would send you a tree with a damaged tier.
  • They are a local company so I could get in touch with them if it warrants it. Do you think I have a case for asking for a replacement?
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