Training

Another reason for pruning comes from the process of training. There are a lot of reasons to train a fruit tree. Some training is required for trees like apples, which need a strong central trunk and plums that need to be trained for an open center. Tying up grape vines is another aspect of training which may or may not require pruning, depending on the age of the vine.

Other aspects of training often relate to landscaping design. Trees that need to be trained to a strong central trunk do poorly when trained into elaborate landscaping designs. However trees that prefer to be trained to an open middle can, with a lot of patience and planning, be trained into eye popping fence rows and topiary that also produces a nice yield of fruit each year.

The most popular landscaping application is to take years pruning and tying new growth to train the tree into a fan shape or living fence. This is also called an espalier. When training a living fence to vires that are supported by strong posts it is best to orient the fence running north-south. This way you get light on equal sides of the plant. If you are training the tree to a wooden fence or stone wall it is best to orient the plant east-west since the foliage will only be on one side.