I came across this interesting web site: http://members.aol.com/punksdad/2apple.htm They planted their fruit tree at a 45 degree angle for easier management and quicker fruit production after planting. Has anyone heard of this before and know where I might find more information about the method?
Yup. It's a good way to manage the growth of your tree and encourage early cropping. Here's another article in more detail: http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_september_2e_apple.asp
Washington State U. has some research going on sweet cherries trained at an angle: http://www.fruitgrowersnews.com/pages/this_month.php?id=191
Thanks for the links. I'm still investigating this and after more research this method is related to an "oblique cordon". I'm wondering if anyone has any experience setting something like this up with a "family fruit tree"? Those are trees that have multiple varieties grafted onto the same root stock. My idea is to use a family pear tree, plant it at a 45 degree angle and train the leaders of the various varieties as this method. Thoughts?
