Every tree expands in all directions. Always towards the light. This natural form is completely unsuitable for the trellis. That's why trellis fruit has to be properly raised with scissors from the start.
Trellis fruit is trained from the moment it is planted using climbing frames and ropes
The different shapes
An espalier fruit tree may only grow to the left and right and upwards. However, rarely higher than 2 m. Selected, suitable branches are tied to the trellis frame, the rest are removed with scissors. Which branches are left on the tree and how they are allowed to grow depends on the shape chosen. Here are the most important trellis forms:
- Double U Shape
- forked trellis
- Simple palmette
- interchangeable palmette
- Verrier Palmette
- Kesselbaum
- Shapeless trellis
Education and maintenance cut
The first cut, which usually takes place in spring, is the so-called training cut. He gives the main shape. Then it is a matter of maintaining this given shape and building up the other floors. The spring cuts that are used for care are called maintenance cuts.
Buy preformed young trees
Tree nurseries offer various espalier fruit varieties in which the main branches have already been trained into one of the basic forms. This also makes it easier for hobby gardeners to effortlessly maintain their shape through regular pruning. For example, the frequently encountered U-shape.