Raintree Nursery Learns About Espalier Apple Pruning!

[@gigihenderson8567]

Perfect timing. I have an espaliered apple I just got, that I am up potting this week. Will look for the fruiting spurs to cut back the small branches on the cordons.

[@5x535]

Great video, Laura.

[@allanpennington]

My apples and pear espalier are in their first spring/summer after planting them in late winter. The first tier is growing well. Its now mid summer. I have some branch growth coming off the two laterals and some off the central leader. Should I be summer pruning in the first year on my first laterals? Is mid summer too late for that? I have one pear which has produced a few laterals off the central leader at a tier two height. Should I train those or is it best to cut the central leader back in winter to start the next tier from fresh? Thanks

[@shareart6561]

Is this apple tree a standard tree or dwarf tree?

[@thehealinghiker]

My espalier apple didn't have any fruit this year (last year it did) 😢

[@sharonloomis5264]

Thank you. Now, a video starting from scratch on espalier. How deep do you dig the hole? Do you have to support the little tree? And for how long? Is there a way to do espalier without support? I don't think so but maybe?

[@RaintreeNursery]

We will have a young espalier video soon enough, but as far as holes go refer to our video on digging a hole. :)

[@rombus77]

Smart man

[@glaucouswingedgull]

I know there are many aspects to espalier that could be covered, but it seems to me that one of the most important aspects is the difference between spur bearing and tip bearing apple trees. It appears to me that tip bearing apple trees are unsuitable for espalier as they do not develop spurs except at the tip, so when used for espalier, you end up with a tree that is nude of foliage except to the tips of branches. Maybe this is a false impression that I have observed, but maybe not??

[@RaintreeNursery]

At some point yes, tip bearing apple trees would be unsuitable for espalier pruning or any intensive pruning method.

[@yelenickj1]

Generally, what are the spacing requirements between espalier apple and pear trees?

[@RaintreeNursery]

As you, the grower, are training them the general spacing requirements are set by you. :)

[@karencooper6634]

Interesting and helpful

[@MariaMorton]

It would be better if your camera person could zoom in and show us a fruiting bud. Oh, he almost got it. Maybe next time!