What is wrong with our espalier apple tree?
Donna R
10 months ago
last modified: 10 months ago
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Donna R
10 months agolast modified: 10 months agoRelated Discussions
Re-hab for an espaliered apple tree?
Comments (6)Thanks for all the input. I really appreciate it. If I'm hearing correctly, (or rather, reading correctly), the trees will continue to grow etc, but retain their espaliered shape. And I need to prune them to make sure the tree recovers from the move. Is that right? I guess I was wondering if the tree would produce any more branches off of the trunk, or if the best I can hope for is the 3 sets of 2 branches that it was trained with. Thanks harvestman for the information about apples being malleable. That bit of information gave me an idea about how to "fix" the shape. I suppose I could just leave it in the espaliered shape, but where I had to put it makes it look kind of odd. Like it was misplaced, or something. Just personal taste, I guess. Applenut, do I notch the trunk where I would like more branches to grow? That sounds like something I would like to try. And myk1, I got most of the big roots, fully intact, and a large ball of feeder roots. I was pretty pleased with the dig, actually, although I know that any move is a big move for an established tree. I had pruned it before the move, but I will go out and see if there's any more pruning I can do to help the tree along. Thanks again!...See MoreCaring for an existing espaliered apple tree
Comments (15)Wow. I thank you all for the great advice! Yeah, I guess I'm a bit disappointed that it's on EMLA111. I was hoping the tree would be a bit smaller than that. I too don't understand why they'd go with 111... especially since they are very highly regarded at my nursery, and they obviously know what their doing when it comes to the grafting & training. O'well... we'll adjust. I believe in order to grow another tier, typically you'd allow a new leader to grow slightly above where you want the next level. At that point you'd head it leaving at least 2 buds where you want your new branches to come out (one on either side ideally). Right, that was going to be my plan. I wonder how much higher I should let it go? Maybe 4 inches beyond the desired new lateral height? Skip some of the historical chapters in Tukey's book for now. Read the chapter on Summer Pruning. that will give you the most immediately applicable info to your situation. Next, go backwards a little and read the chapter titled Principles Of Pruning And Training. I've got the book open right now. Thanks! It is a little unusual to place a trained, espalier tree in a freestanding situation as you have done. Normally, such a tree would be sited next to a wall or fence, where some support is already available, or could be built without appearing out of place. Yeah, I knew this location wasn't typical, but I was figuring it would still work out nicely because I've already got a bunch of trellises in the back yard, and really, it helps one from feeling like they're going to fall off my raised back yard. Since I've already got all the trellises back there, it will probably fit right in with all the others! :-) The long lateral branches of an espalier will require support to keep their shape I guess my question here is... will they need support for the entire life of the tree? Or just while the tree is growing? Or, does it just need support to bear the weight of the apples? Being that the tree is currently 6 feet tall, and about 1.5¨ at the trunk, anybody want to venture a guess as to how old it is? The good news is that you don't have to do anything at the moment, except study;) . Yep, I've got a lot to learn. Right now, I know enough to be dangerous! :-) Thanks again! -Glenn...See MoreEspalier apple tree...what to do??
Comments (10)I think maybe they make the levels to close for shipping and a smaller tree. I removed my bottom ones because they were too close to the ground and the second level limbs. One day I noticed something was eating the bottom apples because they were squirrel height off the ground. I have read that on regular trees multi grafts can be a little learning curve because different varieties grow at different speeds and one side of the tree can get more out of control. the espalier is perfect for different varieties....See MoreOur neighbor calls this a 'crab apple' tree. Is she wrong?
Comments (6)Japanese cherries have more of a tendency for the unfolding leaves to be absent or obscured at flowering time. In addition to the bark characteristics mentioned the leaves of specimen in question are definitely those of a Prunus and not those of a Malus....See MoreDonna R
10 months agoDonna R
10 months agoDonna R
10 months agoMarie Tulin
10 months agolast modified: 10 months ago
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