How to prune (an article I found)
chucki...@yahoo.com
How to Prune an Established Espaliered Apple Tree With Proper Procedure
and Timing
Pruning and training will be a continuous project. Traditionally, the
major pruning is done in late winter to early spring before new growth
begins. There are several important factors to consider before pruning.
Steps
Pruning during the dormant season or early spring will stimulate new
growth. Pruning in mid-summer (June, July) tends to have a dwarfing
effect. Pruning should not be done in late summer -- with the exception
of removing a few small shoots. New growth could occur that might not
have time to mature before a killing frost.
The time and amount of pruning should also take into account the age of
the plant and when flower buds are formed. Young branches tend to be
more flexible during the summer. One can bend and train them to
supports as the season progresses.
Branches chosen to be part of the design can be tied with a soft string
or twist tie (may need to be removed as the stem grows in diameter).
Check the attachments twice a year and loosen as necessary to prevent
growth constrictions. Branches not needed for the design should be
removed.
If the flower buds are remove during the initial training period, more
plant energy will be directed into plant growth to complete the design.
Branches that are part of the pattern should not be tip pruned until
they reach their desired length.
Side shoots should be allowed to grow to about 12 inches before they
are shortened. Leave a few leaves after pruning.
Touch-up pruning (pinching) should be done as needed throughout the
growing season. mature espalier plant will catch the eye of almost any
visitor to your home.
Tips
Additional Resources
The American Horticultural Society's Pruning and Training, A Fully
Illustrated Plant-by-Plant Manual, Christopher Brickell . 1996. Dorling
Kindersley Limited, London ISBN 1-56458-331-7
Hedges, Screens and Espaliers, Susan Chamberlin . 1983. HP Books,
Tuscon, AZ ISBN 0-89586-190-9
Living Fences, A Gardener's Guide to Hedges, Vines and Espaliers, Ogden
Tanner . 1995. Chapters Publishing LTD, Shelburne, VT ISBN
1-881527-67-0
The Pruning Manual, Everett P. Christopher . 1954. MacMillan Pubs., NY,
NY.
The Royal Horticultural Society's Encyclopedia of Practical Gardening:
Pruning, Christopher Brickell . 1979. Reed International Books Limited,
London. ISBN 1-85732-902-3
Topiaries and Espaliers, Linda Yang . 1999. Houghton Mifflin Co.,
Boston, NY ISBN 0-395-87516-1
Above Steps from the NC State University Cooperative Extension page at
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/quickref/general/espalier.html
Additional information may be found at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/growfruitandveg_espalierapple.shtml