How to Prune a Fan Espalier Tree

Pruning and training a fan espalier fruit tree is a delicate and challenging proposition, but the results are well worth the effort. Your tree will not only bear much fruit if planted and cared for properly, it will also give your empty wall a beautiful look.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Training canes
• Wire
• Wall

1. Prune back the main stem to about 2 feet from the ground above two opposite facing buds the first year.

2. Tie the two shoots that grow from these two buds the following summer to canes attached to supporting wire at about 45 degrees. These are the sides of your "fan."

3. Regulate growth of each side of your "fan" by lowering the branch to decrease growth and raising the branch to increase growth. The goal is to get even growth from both sides of your "fan." When growth is matched, fix the stems to wires at a 45 degree angle.

4. Cut your fan espalier tree's stems to about 1 1/2 feet long the second winter. Make sure to cut just above a bud.

5. Train a new side shoot to grow at the same angle as the side of the "fan" during the following summer. Do this by tying it to a cane at the same 45 degree angle. Make sure to choose a shoot that is at the end of the side of the "fan."

6. Select three shoots to train on each side of your "fan," one on the lower side of the "fan" and two on the upper. Tie each to a cane and rub out all other shoots. As shoots grow from these, tie another cane to train them in the direction they should go keeping them spaced evenly and not allowing them to become overcrowded.

7. Thin overcrowded spurs in subsequent years in summer as the fan espalier fruit tree matures or becomes woody at the base. You may choose to remove some overcrowded spurs completely to encourage healthy growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Space espalier trees about 15 to 20 feet apart when planting them, depending on the kind of root stock you have purchased.