Espalier apple overgrown

YellowHpok · 07/01/2023 16:11

No idea but would be interested to know.

How old is it?

Does it matter if its outgrown the espalier shape though?

Original poster

allnewname · 07/01/2023 16:16

Not really space for it to be a proper tree there, it's near the back door.
It's 5 yes old or so

OP posts:

SeeminglyAbsurd · 07/01/2023 16:59

some tips on here.
www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=55073

this one is 60+ years old!
www.oxoniangardener.co.uk/facelifted-espalier-apple-trees-48/

ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=724467

Original poster

allnewname · 07/01/2023 17:05

Thanks for the links, that's my homework.... then I think I just need to be brave....

OP posts:

DobbyTheHouseElk · 07/01/2023 17:07

Can you take it down to the main trunk? Then allow it grow new shoots and tie those in?

we have 4 espalier apples and 2 pears. It’s constant work. If we had the space I’d love them to be free!

Original poster

allnewname · 07/01/2023 18:05

Here's a pic of the apple in question.

OP posts:

MusselMam · 07/01/2023 18:21

@DobbyTheHouseElk sorry to hijack but you say constant work... is that just how it is? I have a fig. I seem to spend my life pruning it to keep it in check. I thought I was doing something wrong but your comment has made me reconsider, is this just how it is?

DobbyTheHouseElk · 07/01/2023 18:28

MusselMam · 07/01/2023 18:21

@DobbyTheHouseElk sorry to hijack but you say constant work... is that just how it is? I have a fig. I seem to spend my life pruning it to keep it in check. I thought I was doing something wrong but your comment has made me reconsider, is this just how it is?

I think so. The tree will always try to be a natural shape, you have to prune it not to.

We have a plum as well which is the same. Perils of a garden with too many trees, they were all in situ when we moved in.

It’s a bi-yearly effort to keep them under control. I feel sad for them not to be free and grow as they want. But we don’t have room for all the trees if they did that.

MereDintofPandiculation · 08/01/2023 13:44

allnewname · 07/01/2023 16:07

Entirely my fault, neglectful gardener...
My espalier is no longer espalier, it's overgrown, inn no particular shape and has lots of crossing branches. If I lop a foot or two off the main trunk will this generate new growth which I can then train properly, or is that too brutal?
Thank you. X

That’s too brutal. You’ll get a mass of weak growth which will be too difficult to prune. Don’t do all the work in one year, spread it over three. Start by tackling crossing branches

MereDintofPandiculation · 08/01/2023 13:46

MusselMam · 07/01/2023 18:21

@DobbyTheHouseElk sorry to hijack but you say constant work... is that just how it is? I have a fig. I seem to spend my life pruning it to keep it in check. I thought I was doing something wrong but your comment has made me reconsider, is this just how it is?

You should be able to keep the fig going on one prune a year. Take out back to a strong branch that you’d like to grow, rather than keep nibbling at the ends of twigs.