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Pruning/training help

MnetherMnether Posts: 5
in Fruit & veg
This is a 2 year old M27 Christmas Pippin apple tree, I would like peoples options on how to prune or train it.

Would it be possible to train this tree into a double “U” cordon? Or should I keep it as a step over?

Thanks

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It's worth a try.  Plant it well with a framework of wires already in place on your fence or betwen support posts and then selct one of each of those two stems at the end to train vertically and prune out the other one to concentrate energy in the new U.  Then you need to treat the verticals as cordons for pruning.

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/apples/growing-and-training-as-cordons 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • MnetherMnether Posts: 5
    Thank you for the reply, that sounds like a good idea. I’ll get the framework sorted out. Now I must decide which one to prune each side!
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Keep the thicker, sturdier stem.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • war garden 572war garden 572 Posts: 664
    you should teach it sit and stay first. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    war garden 572 said:
    you should teach it sit and stay first. 
    Eh?  :/

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • MnetherMnether Posts: 5
    Obelixx said:
    Keep the thicker, sturdier stem.
    Which one would you say is the one to keep?

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043


    In this photo, which I turned, I would keep the lower stem. But others may disagree, they are similar.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I agree but you need to decide quickly or it will bleed when you prune it.  Sap is rising now.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • MnetherMnether Posts: 5
    Thank you for the quick replies!

    I have just pruned it off. 
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