How to prune for form

There's no right or wrong options, but some forms are better for different situations.

V-shape

The commonly advocated choice is to take out the main or central leader and prune side branches to form an open, vase-like shape. In my opinion, it's the best option if you want small, convenient-pickingheight trees. They'll produce less fruit than an A-shape, require annual feeding and pruning, but is it's easier to harvest the fruit and takes up less space.

When form pruning, reducing size to create an easier-to-harvest V-shape is as simple – but painful – as cutting off the top third of your tree (see page 44).

A-shape

If you leave a tree to grow, it naturally sends up a central leader, and develops side branches in an A shape. If left to grow to its full height, it will form a large, easy-to-maintain tree with minimal annual pruning or feeding required and be very productive.

You can reduce its mass by eliminating low or crowded side branches.

Eventual height and width vary enormously depending on the variety and the rootstock but it's usually 4-6m high. You'll need a ladder to harvest it, and even then probably won't get all the fruit (but the birds will thank you).

A modified central leader is commonly used on apple, pear, and cherry trees and is a compromise - it's taller and stronger than a vase-shape but more open than an A-shape.