Cut the espalier fruit in a U shape

Different U-shapes

A distinction is made between 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 slightly higher in a U-shape.

Cut the espalier fruit in a U shape

That Cutting espalier fruit is an art in itself. But the U-shape is easy to master because of the clear, simple shape:

• Attach two side shoots to the scaffolding at an angle to the left and right
• to approx. Shorten by 60 cm
• remove other shoots completely
• in the second year pull the shoot extension horizontally
• also shorten this to 60 cm
• after another 1-2 years pull the shoots vertically
• as soon as the desired width is reached

If another U-shape is to be inserted after a while, let a central branch grow further and then proceed as described above.

Maintain U-shape

Older trellises that have already received their U-shape also need to be cut regularly. Best in summer. Possibly. old, aged shoots must be redirected to young ones.