Espalier apple training

ben 234

I planted a dwarf stock espalier in the early part of this year, that had one tier already established. I have added guide wires for it, and it seems to be doing well.

My question is about the second (and subsequent) tiers...when it arrived, it had some growth at the top of the main spur, which has now grown out a fair bit more (see image). This growth is higher than I would ideally like the second tier to be, if there were a choice. 

In an ideal world, I would start the second tier about 2/3 up the existing distance from the first tier to the new growth, but nervous about simply removing the top of the tree at this height....

Any advice as to how best to proceed?  

Fire

Hi, and welcome.

I can't really comment on the tree, but I would be a bit careful with that bed. It's not always a great idea to have a bed right up against a wall of a house, because of damp issues. Do you have a damp course in? I don't think the walls will thank you watering plants, esp the apple. I'm also not sure the apple will like being planted in a corner, even if it's full sun, which it would need to be. I think the tree would be prone to damp issues as there doesn't appear to be great ventilation. I am concerned for the pipework behind the tree.

I don't mean to be a wet blanket. The tree looks healthy to me.

Best wishes

ben 234

Thanks Fire
The two walls are a garage and a garden wall - house is some way away.

The pipe is an unused drain from the garage

The bed has an open base to soil, so drains well, and does get sun, though not continuous

I'll see how it goes :-)