Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
6
D E C I DUOU S F R U I T T R E E S
Apples
Malus
spp.
Apples are likely to fruit no matter whether
you prune them or not. The quality and
quantity of fruit is easily improved, however,
with a bit of pruning effort. They will also
look more elegant. Apples and crabapples
have f flexible wood, are easy to train and are
suited to all fruit tree shapes. All, that is,
except the most ambitious of espaliers that
are best left to the pears (see 'Espalier',
page 131).
Fruitingwood
Spur-fruiting apples
Most apples fruit on spurs. These stout warty
growths develop on wood that is two or more
years old and can be made up of both
flowering buds and wood buds (see
Figure 6.1).
wood
bud
Select the shape that fits your landscape
purpose and follow the guidelines on how to
establish the basic framework of your fruit
tree. The rootstock your tree is grafted to will
determine the vigor of your tree and govern
the success of the style you choose (see
'Rootstocks', page 125).
Flower
buds
Codlin moth is a persistent pest in many
areas. Unfortunately the use of pheromone
traps is only practicable in large orchards.
Hanging jars containing a mixture of honey
and water from the branches will lure many
moths to their death. Three to four jars per
tree are effective.
Figure 6.1
Most apples flower and fruit from spurs. The
fat, furry buds will produce both flowers and leaf growth
if the plant is well nourished. Dark pointy buds will grow
leaves and new wood only.
Note:
This information is not for commercial
orchardists.
