The U-shape is a popular way of growing trellis fruit. Because the simple shape, which is based on the letter U, can also be easily implemented by laypeople. The other care cuts also only represent a time challenge. This is how you proceed.
The U-shape is a particularly demanding form of trellis fruit
Various U shapes
There are different variants of the U-shape. In the simplest form, two shoots are allowed to form a U while all other shoots are removed. In the more complex variant, another shoot grows in the middle of the first U, which in turn branches out a little higher in a U-shape.
Cut espalier fruit into a U-shape
Cutting espalier fruit is an art in itself. But the U-shape is easy to master because of the clear, simple form:
- Fasten two side shoots diagonally to the left and right on the frame
- shorten to approx. 60 cm
- remove other shoots completely
- pull the shoot extension horizontally in the second year
- shorten these to 60 cm as well
- after another 1-2 years pull the shoots vertically
- once the desired width is reached
If another U-shape is to be inserted after a while, let a central shoot continue to grow and then proceed as described above.
Maintain U-shape
Even older trellises that have already received their U-shape must be trimmed regularly. Best in summer. If necessary, old, senile shoots must be diverted to young shoots.
tips
The U-shape is ideal for trellis fruit in the tub, which is cultivated to save space on the balcony.