A fruiting spur is plant growth that emerges from a main branch and is specifically dedicated to producing fruit. These spurs undergo a two-stage process, first producing blossoms and then developing into fruit.

Espalier apple tree stems trained against a wooden pole and pruned to a side shoot fruiting spur. 

Training and Pruning

To maintain your tree, it's important to regularly trim it and tie the branches along the wire as they grow. 

1. When the branches reach the desired length or the end of the structure, either secure them to the wire or redirect them downward to slow down their growth. It's important to cut off any spurs that are growing downwards to prevent them from producing fruit. Cut the central growing main leader to be 5-8cm shorter than the top wire to encourage more side branches to grow.
2. Every 5-6 years, replace the existing fruiting spurs with new ones that appear. Don't hesitate to remove any surplus growth that won't produce fruit. In winter, prune your espaliered tree as soon as leaf fall has finished. This allows for easier access to branches.

For best results, for the first 1-2 years after planting, remove young fruit so the tree’s energy is focused on vegetative growth and establishing a strong framework.

Watering & Mulch

Water new trees deeply and regularly as required over the summer and add a layer of Daltons Mega Mulch to help with water retention.

Fertilising

Feed with

Landscaper Pro All Round Fertiliser

Use Landscaper Pro All Round Fertiliser in early spring and every six weeks till mid-December, recommencing late February till late April.