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Pruning and training

Technology for training classic cordon canopies in intensive horticulture

For agronomists

4 min read

Cordon canopies are simple, flattened structures where branches are positioned in a single plane: horizontally, vertically, or at an angle. Due to the high labor intensity of their training and the need to install trellises, they are used primarily in small-scale intensive orchards and home gardens. A correct combination of cordons with other canopy shapes provides a stable harvest and a high aesthetic effect. Training any cordon starts with a one-year-old nursery plant. When planting an oblique cordon, plants are placed at a 45° angle; in all other cases, nursery plants are planted strictly vertically, and the direction of the shoots is regulated using trellis wire.

  • Planting angle for an oblique cordon — 45°
  • Height of the first pruning of a one-year-old plant — 30–40 cm
  • Bending distance for U-shaped arms — 25–30 cm
  • Pinching of medium shoots — above the 5th–6th leaf

Technology for training horizontal and U-shaped cordons

Creating a classic horizontal cordon requires a precise sequence of operations. Mistakes during pruning or untimely tying of branches will disrupt the balance of tree growth and fruiting. To properly train the canopy, follow this algorithm:

  1. Shorten the one-year-old plant at a height of 30–40 cm from the soil level to stimulate branching.
  2. Leave one strongest shoot for a single-arm cordon or two shoots for a double-arm one.
  3. Direct the selected branches horizontally in opposite directions and tie them to the trellis wire.
  4. Perform spring pruning of the current growth, adjusting the degree of shortening depending on the cultivar's ability to produce shoots.

The degree of spring pruning depends directly on the bud break capacity of the cultivar. Weak shoot-forming ability requires heavy shortening, but excessive pruning will trigger unwanted vigorous shoot growth. With high natural bud break capacity, branches may not need shortening.

To accelerate growth and quickly increase arm length, the tip of the horizontal shoot is left raised when tying. In this position, it grows actively until the end of the growing season.

When training U-shaped structures, the same basic scheme is used with the pruning of the one-year-old plant at a height of 30–40 cm. The resulting arms are initially directed horizontally, and after 25–30 cm, they are brought into a vertical position. To create a complex double U-shaped cordon, each vertical branch is pruned once more, resulting in four vertical leaders. The entire structure is attached to a trellis, where the central leaders and fruiting branches are tied to individual wires.

Разновидности кордонов
Cordon varieties: 1 – vertical; 2 – oblique; 3 – horizontal single-arm; 4 – wavy; 5 – oblique double-arm; 6 – horizontal double-arm; 7 – horizontal with three arms; 8, 9 – double and simple U-shaped; 10 – Y-shaped and grid-like trellis consisting of these cordons.
Формирование вертикального кордона
Training a vertical cordon: 1 – first pruning after planting a one-year-old plant; 2, 3 – in the second year before and after pruning; 4 – in the third year before and after pruning; 5 – at the end of the fourth year.
Формирование горизонтального кордона
Training a horizontal cordon: 1 – bending a one-year-old plant at a 90° angle or pruning at a height of 30–40 cm; 2 – summer pruning in the first year (a – to a "heel", b – above the 5th–6th leaf, short shoots "c" are not pruned, the tip grows in a raised position); 3 – fully trained cordon with three tensioned wires for tying the central leader and fruiting branches.
Формирование двуплечего горизонтального кордона
Training a double-arm horizontal cordon: 1 – a one-year-old plant is pruned at a height of 30–40 cm; 2 – two shoots from the upper buds are directed along the wire in different directions (strong branches "a" are removed to the collar, medium ones "b" are pinched above the 5th–6th leaf, weak ones "c" and the extension shoot "d" are left to grow freely).
Формирование простого и двойного U-образного кордонов
Training simple and double U-shaped cordons: 1 – a one-year-old plant is pruned at a height of 30–40 cm; 2 – two horizontal arms are trained, which are directed upward as simple vertical cordons at a distance of 25–30 cm; 3 – when training a double U-shaped cordon, each branch is pruned once more; 4 – four branches are obtained; 5 – these branches are trained as simple vertical cordons.
Рис. 144. Прищипка при формировании искусственных форм крон яблони: 1 – первая прищипка над 3-м листом; 2 – вторая прищипка над 2-м листом; 3 – третья прищипка над 1-м листом, в пазухе которого сформировалась настоящая почка; 4 – при прорастании двух поче
Fig. 144. Pinching during the training of artificial apple canopy forms: 1 – first pinching above the 3rd leaf; 2 – second pinching above the 2nd leaf; 3 – third pinching above the 1st leaf, in the axil of which a true bud has formed; 4 – when two buds sprout, one (vertical) shoot is removed, and the other is pinched above two true leaves.
Рис. 145. Омолаживание старых плодовых ветвей яблони, формируемой по типу кордонов и пальметт: оставлено по 2–3 сильные плодовые почки.
Fig. 145. Rejuvenation of old apple fruit branches trained as cordons and espaliers: 2–3 strong fruit buds have been left.

Summer pruning serves as the main tool for regulating growth when creating cordons. It helps redistribute nutrients in the canopy and stimulate the formation of fruit buds on short branches. All major operations are carried out in June–July. If any branches were missed during the season, they are pruned in the spring of the following year before sap flow begins.

  • Summer pruning period — June-July
  • Pruning of lateral shoots — above the 6th–8th leaf
  • Stub height for "heel" cut — 5 mm
  • Cut height for a one-year-old tree — 30–40 cm
  • Length of arms before training upward — 45–50 cm

During summer tillage, lateral branches are shortened above the sixth to eighth leaf. Some of the actively growing vertical shoots are completely pruned to the branch collar to avoid overcrowding. The remaining shoots are cut to a "heel," leaving a small stub about 5 mm high. When rejuvenating old fruit-bearing branches of apple trees trained as cordons and palmettes, 2–3 strong fruit buds are left.

Technology for forming U-shaped cordons and palmettes

Do not allow vertical shoots to overgrow when forming U-shaped cordons. A difference in branch vigor will disrupt the canopy balance, so lagging branches must be stimulated, and leading ones must be pinched in a timely manner.

To create a U-shaped (double vertical) cordon, a strict sequence of operations is followed. This allows for a symmetrical shape and uniform distribution of sap in the plant.

  1. Prune a one-year-old tree in spring at a height of 30–40 cm from the ground.
  2. Form two opposite horizontal arms from the grown shoots.
  3. When the length of the arms reaches 45–50 cm, direct their tips vertically upward.
  4. Continue forming the upright branches as two independent vertical cordons.

A double U-shaped cordon is established on a similar principle. Each of the resulting horizontal arms is pruned once more, and new vertical branches are formed from two adjacent upper buds. Such decorative forms are perfectly suitable for wall-trained crops, decorating gazebos, entrances to a plot, and garden paths, while providing a high-quality harvest.

Рис. 146. Правильные классические пальметты: 1 – с горизонтальными ветвями; 2 – с наклонными ветвями; 3 – круговая; 4, 5, 6 – пальметты Верье соответственно с 4, 5, 7-ю ветвями; 7 – двойная пальметта Верье; 8 – канделябровая; 9 – система Коссоне.
Fig. 146. Correct classical palmettes: 1 – with horizontal branches; 2 – with oblique branches; 3 – circular; 4, 5, 6 – Verrier palmettes with 4, 5, 7 branches respectively; 7 – double Verrier palmette; 8 – candelabra; 9 – Cossonay system.

All types of classical palmettes are various combinations of simple cordons. Depending on the direction of the branches, they can be horizontal, oblique (sloping), circular, or vertical — the latter include the Verrier palmette (with 4, 5, or 7 branches), double Verrier palmette, candelabra form, and Cossonay system. Their main branches are positioned at strictly defined distances, and fruiting wood is created through intensive pruning. A group of artificial rounded canopies, which include spindle-shaped, vase-shaped, and pyramidal forms, is distinguished separately.

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