[Kleftiwallah]

On our espalier cherry (still under construction) there is a long section of branch with no fruit bearing or leaf shoots, is there any way in which to induce the emergence of fruiting clusters along this section of branch?

Cheers,  Tony.

[snowdrops]

Doesn't lowering the branch force it to shoot,unless it's died of course

[sunshineband]

Maybe scrape the bark a bit and see if it is  green inside or not, before deciding whether to lower it to point downwards 

[Kleftiwallah]

There are buds breaking all along the branch further out towards the tip so it ain't dead. As an espalier the branches are at 90 degrees to the vertical.  Guess I'll just have to wait and watch.

Cheers,  Tony.

[sunshineband]

One suggestion would be to cut it back to the nearest place you can see a potential bud in the wood, that is facing up or down but not front or back, and then retrain that sort shoot to be a replacement.

I have never done this, but thought it sounded plausible, given that we grow replacement leaders in this way.

What do you think?

[jaydig]

I have both cherry and plum trees at home, and I have always read that it is not advisable to cut into any of the branches of these to prune them until about the end of June, at least. Pruning beforehand can induce a disease called 'silver leaf' which can, eventually kill the tree.  I think I'd make myself a note (because if I don't, I always forget), to have another look at that time of year, and then cut back a little if necessary.

I'm no expert, and I'm sure that if anyone on the forum knows better, they will give you the right advice.

[sunshineband]

That is a good point jaydig. Best to time any cutting carefully 

[Kleftiwallah]

Thanks for all your replies chaps and chappesses.  I cannot wait to see Mr Blackbird oggling my cherry from outside the fruit cage.

Cheers,  Tony.

[sunshineband]

Thanks for all your replies chaps and chappesses.  I cannot wait to see Mr Blackbird oggling my cherry from outside the fruit cage.

Cheers,  Tony.

Just the one? We had three fruits last year