I am full of admiration for gardeners who are able to grow apples on by the cordon or espalier method. In my defence I would say:
- I prefer my trees to grow according to their natural bush shapes
- I have difficulty visualising diagrams where 'x marks the spot'
However what I was unwilling to attempt the ants have done for me. It is unfortunate that we failed to spot the anthill under our Bramley much earlier. Because of their nest-building proclivities our tree is now leaning, lopsided, close to the angle at which professionals train their espaliers. Our apples are almost touching the ground.
I shall prune my trees, in December or January as recommended. I shall try my best to be decisive and take out as many branches as necessary.
Bramleys are not a suitable variety for the espalier treatment. However, in the spirit of live and let live I shall leave the ants alone and enjoy our oblique-angled tree.
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