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.

Stimulate new growth by pruning during the dormant season or early spring. 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.

Mind the age of plant and when the flower buds are formed. This is because the time of pruning will be determined by these factors. Young branches tend to be more flexible during the summer. One can bend and train them to supports as the season progresses.

Tie with a soft string or twist tie, the branches that are chosen to be part of the design. The ties 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.

Take precaution of certain matters. Never remove the flower buds during the initial training period. This will promote more plant energy to be directed into plant growth to complete the design. Also, 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 throughout the growing season.

Get ready to to turn heads! Your matured espalier plant will catch the eye of almost every visitor to your home.

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