How to Prune a Horizontal Espalier Tree

Pruning and training a horizontal espalier fruit tree creates a beautiful and functional tree with easily picked fruit and an uncomplicated appearance. While pruning and training in such a way is challenging, it is worth the effort because you are rewarded with a bountiful and easy to pick crop for your efforts.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Place a horizontal support wire about a foot above the ground and cut back the main shoot 2 inches higher than this support wire.

2. Choose buds the first winter that are pointed toward your support wire and one that is near the top of your main stem. The top one will serve as the leader and the two others will be the first tier on your tree.

3. Rub out all unwanted buds and notch the two side buds so they don't compete with the leader.

4. Train the three stems the following summer to grow in their direction by tying canes to them. Attach an upright cane to the leader with soft string. Cane the side shoots to about a 45 degree angle to stimulate growth.

5. Lower your side shoots and wire to the first horizontal support wire during the second winter. Prune back branch leaders to stimulate growth to about half. This will stimulate new growth and give you full horizontal branches.

6. Select new branch leaders for the second tier. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to create a second tier of fruiting branches on your horizontal espalier tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Space horizontal espalier trees about 10 to 15 feet apart or whatever your nursery recommends. This is dependent on the tree rootstock.