On 26/04/2012 21:46, Gareth wrote:
"Spider" wrote in message ...

On 24/04/2012 09:10, Dave Hill wrote:

As the tree is/was 6ft tall I shouldn't thing it would be such a
problem having more than one leader, after all if the tree gets to


Actually, Dave, the tree *was* 6ft when he planted it. The top foot is
dead so, when that is removed, the tree will only be 5ft. If Gareth
limits his tree to one leader, he can control its height eventually
when it reaches, say, 10ft; higher if he wants it.

To leave, for instance, 2 leaders on this tree, means that when it is
subsequently weighed down by ripening fruit, this 'V' shape could
split apart and tear right down into the tree. Even if Gareth could
repair this damage, the danger is that Silver Leaf Disease will have
already entered the tree through its considerable wound.

I had a magnificent 'Victoria' Plum Tree for years until its branches
broke under the weight of fruit (further burdened by heavy rain), so I
know how easily this can happen.


Thanks again.

Yes, the most difficult part may be waiting for a period of warm and dry
weather!

It's a shame it has to be cut. I guess it will now take a year or two
longer to bear fruit.




Shouldn't do. Didn't you say you had lots of flower on it earlier?
Provided the flowers were pollinated, you should still get some sort of
crop. However, if you have squirrels (deeply cute flying rats), they
will get the lion's share :~(.

--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay