Training Techniques
Fruit can be trained in to several different shapes including cordon,
espalier, step-over and arch. All of
these shapes create a delicate feature out of a wild tree; they allow the fruit
trees to fit along borders, fences, walls and walkways.
 |
Cordon Espalier Step-over Arch
The practice
of training fruit trees means that they grow more slowly creating a stronger
tree with tougher branches. When fully ripened the wood produces a greater
number of flowers than the more gentle growth of untrained trees and as a
result training entices more fruit from the tree whilst creating a beautiful
feature for the garden.
Most fruits
trees and bushes can be trained. The most popular species include apple trees,
pear trees, fig trees, cherry trees and apricot trees along with gooseberry,
blackcurrant and redcurrant bushes.
Pre-trained
trees can be purchased, however it is more adventurous trying your hand at
doing the training yourself. To do this you will need to start with a maiden, one
year old tree which has a light feathering of branches starting to sprout. It is also best to find a tree that has been
grafted on to a dwarf rootstock so that its growth can be managed more
effectively than one grown on a vigorous rootstock.
You can then
train the tree to whatever shape you like by tying the main growth point from
each branch on to a frame. The frame can represent whatever final shape you are
looking to create, though it is advised not to try something too complicated the
first time round. It is important to keep any side shoots pruned back over the
winter to about 3 shoots per branch to encourage the tougher branches to grow
more. It is these branches that will
produce a greater number of flowers in the spring.
To care for
your trained tree it is best to do any shaping and pruning in the winter so
that you can enjoy the blossoms and then fruit crop through the spring, summer
and autumn.
#fruittrees #trainedfruit #orchard #gardeningtips
No comments:
Post a Comment