28 HENRY LEUTHARDT NURSERY 

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leaders. After the desired height has been attained, 
cut down to one eye each year; should they become 
too high, cut down below level of new growth, thus — 
. making space for future new growth. Espaliers can 
be allowed to grow almost any desired height, say from 
5 to 12 feet. The pruning of the top leaders is very 
essential for it checks the future growth of the tree. 
PRUNING HORIZONTAL BRANCHED ESPALI- 
_ ERS—Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry. Cut back side shoots 
to 6 inches. As a general rule, the fruit of a Horizontal 
Cordon is borne on the shoots that develop along the 
outer sides of the leader. Therefore, if thinning out ts 
necessary, do so on the shoots which grow on the top 
_ side of the leader. Never prune the ends of the Cordon, 
unless the tree has reached its desired length. 
PRUNING—Espalier Dwarf Fruit Trees—Peach, 
Nectarine, Apricot. The essential pruning should be 
done during the summer. Pinch every new shoot to 
two eyes, in doing so, two new young branches will 
be obtained. In the following spring one of these 
branches should be allowed to bloom, prune the other 
one down to two eyes. This one gives you the two 
young branches for the coming year. This procedure 
done every year creates a continual new supply of 
young wood. It prevents the side branches from be- 
coming too big and taking all the strength. By fol- 
. lowing this method, the era of productivity of a peach 
tree is almost doubled. The bearing spurs are easily 
recognized during the dormant period, as all the bloom- 
ing eyes are double. This enables one to decide more 
easily which branch to leave. Since Peach, Nectarine 
and Apricot trees all bear fruit only on the new wood 
made the previous year, this pruning must be followed 
very closely, if fruit is desired. After leaders have 
attained 15 inches, tie back like backbone of a fish so 
as to allow the sunshine and light to reach the eyes 
as the bearing eyes develop on the new wood during 
September and October, when exposed to the sun. 
PRUNING FAN SHAPED ESPALIERS—Follow 
instructions above. In addition, any side shoots that 
develop outward, cut the shoots back to 4 inches. ‘This 
rule applies to all varieties. 
