[jonewer]

I bought some apples on M9 rootstocks last year and planted them in pots.

I want them to be pyramid, about 6' high but because I didnt cut the leader last year, they have grown very tall and leggy with the only branching being just below the apical bud.

In effect, what I have is very tall, very thin boles with 3 or 4 branches sticking out the top like a bad hairstyle.

What can I do about this? Will a pyramid form naturally with branches forming lower down? Should I cut them down by a half like I should have done initially?

Thanks.

[Hamani]

Cutting hard now (before new growth starts) will make the tree throw on a LOT of new growth (which is what you need).

You won't get any fruit this year ... but should be able to form the shape you want.

- Gary.

[mumofstig]

Yes, cut the trunk at about 30 ins.
The top bud should grow straight up to form the leader, but if it starts to grow outward rather than upwards, you may have to tie it up to a cane.
Otherwise you'd  end up with an open middle/goblet shape rather than a pyramid trained tree :blink:

If the buds below that are reluctant to break just make a nick in the bark above the buds to force them into growth.
Good luck!

[jonewer]

Thanks, will do that this morning, then give them loadsa nitrogen over the summer.

I wouldnt allow fruit till next year anyway.