How Do You Prune A Fan Espalier Tree?
Pruning and training a fan espalier fruit tree is a delicate and challenging proposition, but the results are well worth the effort. Your tree will not only bear much fruit if planted and cared for properly, it will also give your empty wall a beautiful look. Prune back the main stem to about 2 feet from the ground above two opposite facing buds the first year. Tie the two shoots that grow from these two buds the following summer to canes attached to supporting wire at about 45 degrees. These are the sides of your “fan.” Regulate growth of each side of your “fan” by lowering the branch to decrease growth and raising the branch to increase growth. The goal is to get even growth from both sides of your “fan.” When growth is matched, fix the stems to wires at a 45 degree angle. Cut your fan espalier tree’s stems to about 1 1/2 feet long the second winter. Make sure to cut just above a bud. Train a new side shoot to grow at the same angle as the side of the “fan” during the following summe
