Shaping Trees For Different Situations Top

Using pruning techniques, it is possible to shape the tree into a certain style. There are seven main tree shapes that all have their advantages for certain situations. As the tree grows, simply cut off the unnecessary branches, tie the desired branches into the right shape, and you will be able to shape it as you like. However, some more advanced shapes require equally advanced pruning techniques. Many books have been written on this subject. Usually, if you're trying to get your tree into shape, all tying and pruning should be done in the fall. This will encourage the shape to  as they won't be producing any fruit at this point. Each of the different shapes is very useful in certain situations. So here are a few different types of shapes that you can choose from. Standard trees need no explanation. These are the varieties that are most common and probably what you think of when you think of any tree. No specific shaping is required for the shape to take this shape. Just let it go and crop it as normal, and unless you have a weirdly deformed tree, it should end up as a standard tree. Pruning can turn a standard tree into a bush. The branches are the same shape, but the stem or trunk of the tree is noticeably shorter. This can be beneficial if you want to grow trees but don't want to block the view. For example, my house has a great view of the Rocky Mountains. I didn't want to sacrifice this wonderful view, so I grew my trees into bushes. Cordons are a type of tree that you may not be familiar with. It consists of a single stem without branches. It is planted diagonally so that it arches over the ground. In the course of growth, all branches are removed. These are convenient because they take up a very small amount of space and can fit more in a certain area. The only negative aspect is that they produce less fruit per tree. Espalier trees grow with one vertical stem in the middle and several horizontal branches on each side. These allow for long rows of trees while still producing large amounts of fruit. If you run an orchard, you probably use this shape to fit as many trees as possible into the area you have. Fan trees use the same theory as espalier trees. However, the shape is slightly different. The same central vertical stem is used, but the connected branches are not horizontal; they grow in the same pattern as a standard tree, only they are two-dimensional rather than three-dimensional. They are also used to save space and are used in place of trellis trees for certain types of trees that can handle sloping branches better. Another type of espalier is the step-over espalier. They are like a normal espalier but with only one horizontal branch very close to the ground. They are especially interesting because they still produce tasty fruit while providing a border for anything you want. I used overhanging trees to fence the garden. They are definitely my favorite tree shape, mainly because they are like a fence that bears fruit. What's not to love? As you can see, each of these shapes has its advantages as well as negative aspects. If any of these seem like a good fit for your garden, you can ask your local nursery staff for advice on reading material to help you achieve your goals. Most of the time, getting the tree into the desired shape is a very easy process and requires some guidance in the beginning.