[Sleepingpopman]

 Hi folks   
We could do with some help.  Last autumn we bought some dwarf fruit trees as our Christmas present to grow in large planters on the patio outside the greenhouse, we bought them through a daily paper advert which was 'Buy any 2 & get a Pear Tree FREE' & they are 2 years old, so we ordered 2 apple trees, a red eater & a green eater (no names) but the pear we received is called 'Lilliput'. As we know nothing about growing fruit trees we also bought a book on the subject. Our problem is that the book tells you to prune the main leader & any side branches back about 6" the 1st year but the red tree has developed 2 leaders & no side branches & the green tree has 1 leader & a side branch which has split into 2.  The pear tree has just the 1 main leader. they all look healthy. Anyone know what do we do? 
Keith/Sharon 

[hightide]

If your book has any information on looking after Spur Apples or Patio Apples then follow the instructions, they are not treated like ordinary apples. It sounds as if that is what these are, these need to be planted in a container with rich moisture retentive soil and fed and watered regularly. Spur Apples have an upright non-spreading habit you just remove any minor branches that may appear laterally when dormant and support with a stake if necessary.