Can I espalier a mature pear tree?

Discussion in 'Fruit and Nut Trees' started by Unregistered, Sep 15, 2004.

  1. A friend has asked me to espalier a pear tree that is already 12 feet high. I don't think this is possible but does anyone know if this can be done at this stage of a tree's development?
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Depends on what structure it has now. If it is pretty well settled into an unsuitable shape, with lots of thickish, main branches making a broader head, then it is really too late. If, on the other hand, there is a fanlike portion visible that it could be reduced to without whacking most of it away, still with mostly slender, pliable branches, then there should be some potential.
     

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