Fruit trees and fruit shrubs

What is Espalier

An old way of pruning fruits against a wall, fence, or other flat area was called espalier. This French word means “something to rest on”. This art was a practice in Mt. Vernon and other spots in early colonial days. This practice fell out of use with the breeding of dwarf fruit varieties.

Is it practical? A tree can be trained along a south-facing wall creates a micro-climate a zone or two warmer than out in the open. You can grow many varieties in an area than normal. Now it is mainly used as a decorative accent as a living fence.

It is not that hard to create an espalier by topping off the leader trunk and training 4 to 6 of the lateral branches. With better air circulation, insects and diseases are reduced, the fruit is larger and more deeply colored and harvests over a shorter period of time.

Apple and pear are traditionally used; however, you can use cherry, plum, and apricots.

Home Improvement

Home do it Yourself

Are you a home do it yourself, good. Some of us are not (like me). Some of us think you can do this, I mean how hard can it be, I got pictures. These people end up with something like the pictures.

Dealing with plumbing and electricity there are certain codes that you must adhere to given by the city or county. These are important if you are going to sell the property in the future. Does your insurance company cover these renovations?

However, there are projects like installing flooring, painting, or other minor projects that any of us can accomplish. It does not hurt to get a second opinion, (“Does this look correct? Does a pink wall contrast with a neon blue tub?” “Did you measure twice?” I found watching YouTube videos does help greatly!

Pruning trees and shrubs

Prune Fruit Trees

This is now the time to prune fruit trees. Many people think this process is technical, however, there are 8 basic rules you can follow to make this process simpler.

  1. Remove any suckers growing around the base of the tree. If your tree is grafted, remover any growth below the graft.
  2. Remove any watersprouts. These are twigs growing straight out of a branch. Any other branches growing straight up along the trunks, remove.
  3. Remove any broken branches or diseased areas.
  4. Remove any branch growing upward with the main trunk. Bearing branches should be at around 45 to 60 degrees from the trunk. These will be the strongest and most bearing.
  5. Remove any branches rubbing on each other.
  6. If you want to reduce the shape of the tree, cut back up to 30% of the tree. Cut right at a bud at a 45-degree angle.
  7. Went you remove a branch, make sure you do not leave a stub. Make the cut flush to the trunk leaving the growth ring.
  8. Remember the more light that can get into the interior of the tree, the more fruit it will bear.

You can use these rules for shade trees.

Prune to 1/4 inch from the main trunk