How Do You Prune A Horizontal Espalier Tree?
Pruning and training a horizontal espalier fruit tree creates a beautiful and functional tree with easily picked fruit and an uncomplicated appearance. While pruning and training in such a way is challenging, it is worth the effort because you are rewarded with a bountiful and easy to pick crop for your efforts. Place a horizontal support wire about a foot above the ground and cut back the main shoot 2 inches higher than this support wire. Choose buds the first winter that are pointed toward your support wire and one that is near the top of your main stem. The top one will serve as the leader and the two others will be the first tier on your tree. Rub out all unwanted buds and notch the two side buds so they don’t compete with the leader. Train the three stems the following summer to grow in their direction by tying canes to them. Attach an upright cane to the leader with soft string. Cane the side shoots to about a 45 degree angle to stimulate growth. Lower your side shoots and wire t
