Moran speaks with AP for article on espalier pruning
Renae Moran, an associate professor of pomology and tree fruit specialist with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, spoke with the Associated Press for an article about espalier pruning. Espalier pruning is the practice of training and trimming fruit trees, vines or flowering shrubs to grow into artistic, two-dimensional forms, the article states. It can make the plants easier to mow and harvest, maximize sunlight and help trees fit into tight spaces. Fruit trees are one of the most common types used for espalier pruning, and are often used to boost yields in commercial orchards, AP reported. “Growing fruit trees as a fruiting wall is becoming common with commercial orchards because it takes less labor to prune and harvest,” said Moran. “However, they do not have the look that a home-trained tree would have since commercial growers do not spend any time fussing with the tree’s appearance. To a hobby grower, the formal shape of an espalier tree may be the primary reason for choosing the training system.” The Washington Post, Sioux City Journal, The Daily Courier, Altoona Mirror, The Lewiston Tribune and Southeast Missourian carried the AP article.