Trellis fruit can only thrive in its special form if scissors are applied to its branches at regular intervals. Far more shoots have to be removed than is usual with free-standing fruit trees. Nobody is allowed to act indiscriminately.
How do I cut espalier fruit correctly?
Cutting espalier fruit requires selecting a suitable espalier shape, creating a branch framework and regular maintenance cuts. Apples and pears have to be treated differently than peaches or apricots. Detailed information on cutting rules should be obtained in advance.
Determine scaffolding structure
A young tree sprouts in all directions. In addition, each specimen develops an individually constructed crown. When cutting espalier fruit, it is important to carefully select which shoots can remain intact and which ones need to be shortened or even completely removed. These training cuts ensure the development of a supporting branch structure in the first years of life.
Trellis shape dictates the cut
All espaliered fruit varieties must grow two-dimensionally, i.e. H. flat. In addition, there are various ways to “position” the branches and thus shape them into a desired type of scaffolding. Before the first cut is made, the decision on a trellis shape should be made. The following are among others to choose from:
- Cordon
- U-Palmette
- Branched U-Palmette
- Verrier Palmette
- Arbor trellis
- Free trellis
Cutting different types of fruit
Apples and pears are the classic espalier fruit. They can be easily trained as cordons or in U-shapes because their wood remains vital for years.
Varieties such as peaches and apricots, which have a shorter-lived fruiting wood, are usually grown as fan espaliers on a house wall.
If you buy trees that have already been pre-shaped by the tree nursery, then further cutting will be easier for you.
Note:For example, a strongly growing cherry as an espalier fruit must be cut several times a year.
Maintaining trellises
After the basic structure of the branches has been completely built up, it must be cared for and preserved through proper pruning. These maintenance cuts are usually carried out in the summer. Not every miscut can be corrected later. That's why you should find out in detail beforehand which cutting rules apply to the chosen shape.
