When it comes to growing fruit trees, nature’s free-flowing approach isn’t always the most practical. While trees in the wild may grow tall and free, cultivating fruit for our own enjoyment requires a bit more structure. Fruit trees like apples, pears, and cherries are no exception, and training them properly helps ensure a more productive and manageable harvest. Here’s why and how we train fruit trees, and the three main methods gardeners use to optimize space and fruit production.
Why Train Fruit Trees?
In the wild, fruit trees grow tall to compete with other plants and to allow animals like squirrels and birds to help spread their seeds. However, this approach isn’t ideal for gardeners. Left untrained, fruit trees would grow tall with most of the fruit out of reach, requiring a ladder or extra-long arms to harvest. Additionally, many common fruit trees, like apples and pears, were originally woodland species that naturally grow upward to outcompete other plants.
By training these trees, we control their size and shape, making it easier to harvest fruit at a practical height and maximize the usable crop. Training also ensures that the trees can thrive in smaller spaces, like urban gardens or even balconies, which is a great advantage for modern gardeners.
1. Cordon Apples and Pears
The most compact form of tree training is the cordon, where trees are planted close together, typically about 75cm (30in) apart. In the space where a single tree might grow, multiple varieties of apples or pears can be planted as cordons. These trees are trained to grow along a single main stem, making them ideal for small spaces.
Cordon trees are best suited to varieties that form fruit on spurs along the length of the stem, rather than just at the tip. They can be trained at a 45° angle or even grown vertically or horizontally in some cases, such as creating a “step-over cordon” where the tree grows just above ground level.
A cordon tree can also branch into multiple stems (known as a double or multiple cordon), which are often trained vertically for easier pruning. While apples and pears are most commonly grown in this form, soft fruits like redcurrants, whitecurrants, and gooseberries can also be trained as cordons.
2. Fan-trained Fruits
Fan training is a visually striking method where fruit tree branches spread out from a short, central trunk, creating a fan shape. This technique works well for heat-loving fruits like peaches and nectarines, as it maximizes light exposure, helping the fruits ripen quicker. Fan-trained trees are commonly grown against warm, sun-facing walls, which also provide some frost protection for blossoms.
To accommodate the spread of the fan, trees need to be spaced at least 3 meters (10 feet) apart. This method works great for larger spaces, as it allows the tree to cover a wide expanse of wall or fence. Fan-trained trees are not only practical but also serve as beautiful focal points in gardens.
3. Espalier Apples and Pears
Espalier trees are perfect for gardeners who appreciate structure and neatness. This method involves training the branches of a tree to grow horizontally along a central trunk, creating a series of evenly spaced, level branches. Espaliers are often grown against walls or fences but can also function as freestanding living screens to divide areas of a garden.
Espaliers require more precise training and can be time-consuming, but the result is a visually appealing, space-efficient tree that can also yield plenty of fruit. Apples and pears are the most common varieties trained this way, though they should be spaced at least 3 meters apart to accommodate their growth. To maintain the horizontal branches, gardeners typically use posts and wires for support.
For those who prefer a less formal look, a palmette is an alternative to the espalier. Palmettes have branches that are staggered and slightly angled upward, rather than horizontally, offering a more relaxed style.
Conclusion
Training fruit trees takes time, patience, and attention, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Properly trained trees are easier to manage, more productive, and can fit into smaller spaces—making them an ideal choice for today’s gardeners. Whether you’re growing apples, pears, peaches, or even currants, using the right training method will ensure a bountiful and accessible harvest, turning your garden into a delicious, visually appealing oasis.