Pruning espalier apple trees is a very crucial part in growing apple trees. Since espalier plants are different from the normal established ones, they tend to need more keen knowledge and art in pruning espalier apple trees. Though the way and process of planting is different, it is not really that complicated than what you think it would be.
Why pruning espalier apple trees significant?
Espalier apple trees are an innovative agricultural way of training trees. Through pruning espalier apple trees, you are limiting plant growth for aesthetic purposes. These apple trees are trimmed, pruned and tied in flat platform to control its branches and form a specific structure. Situated against a framework such as in a wall, fence or mesh, pruning espalier apple trees have a main trunk with several stems branching out from vertically.
Aside from aesthetic beauty, pruning espalier apple trees also have more functional reasons why this is devised. There are gardeners who have limited space in their orchard and through this technique; it can limit the space needed to make an established apple tree. Pruning espalier apple trees also provide sufficient amount of sun exposure since this is placed against a platform.
How pruning espalier apple trees are done?
One of the main things to note is that there is a specific time in pruning espalier apple trees. The best times are during times when the plants are not continuously growing. During the summer season, any kind of plant in the world would grow because of its exposure to the sun. On these times when pruning of espalier apple trees is done, new stems grow and once this stems are immediately cut, it would be hard for new spurs to grow again. It is like retarding its growth. Unlike during the winter season wherein there is less sun exposure, new spurs tend to stop growing and these new spurs must now be cut down.
If you notice that the branches are growing in an outward manner especially during its early stages, bending it would be recommended. This is the time where you start pruning espalier apple trees. Tying it with a string or a cord would do as long it tightens its grip to the wall. Pruning espalier apple trees would also depend on the design you want to make. You also need to check if it the growth is tightly restricted.
You also need to be aware of important details in pruning espalier apple trees. The longest length for a side shoot to grow is 12 inches to support the growth of your preferred design before it is finally cut down. To accumulate enough energy for the apple trees, flower buds should not be removed during the early stages of training development. Since you need enough energy for your desired form, pruning espalier apple trees must be given some amount of patience.
After vertically pruning espalier apple trees, you need to prune it horizontally because on this way, this can provide you with more fruits to harvest.