[dugless]

I have a 14 year old Espalier cherry, it needs pruning I am not exactly sure when to do it.

I have read up on it but just get more confused. but I think there is someone out there who

will put me right.
 

[aqua]

is it a fan shape -/ didn't think cherries could be made espalier?

[aqua]

what are you wanting to do with it?

[dugless]

is it a fan shape -/ didn't think cherries could be made espalier?

You are quite right it is fan trained, just did not think of it.

[dugless]

what are you wanting to do with it?

Reduce the height and the length of the shoots to fit in the fruit cage.

[aqua]

I would take out any branches at the top that go straight up because that is the tree trying to create a new leader and you don't want that.

I wd then restore the tree over two seasons if the growth is extreme.  pinch prune to three buds on the new growth.

I would aim for 3 to five buds to regain shape. cut out any crossing branches and any that look as if they are becoming a new leader.  Give the tree a good feed.

The Rhs book on pruning is the best one i have read

[dugless]

I would take out any branches at the top that go straight up because that is the tree trying to create a new leader and you don't want that.

I wd then restore the tree over two seasons if the growth is extreme.  pinch prune to three buds on the new growth.

I would aim for 3 to five buds to regain shape. cut out any crossing branches and any that look as if they are becoming a new leader.  Give the tree a good feed.

The Rhs book on pruning is the best one i have read

Thank you for the info on the pruning what I really wanted was the best time to prune.

[mumofstig]

This RHS page says prune established trees in early summer
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=318#section2

[dugless]

Thank you all for your help.I knew someone would know.

[aqua]

sorry i misread what you asked. i do recommend the rhs book though.