I think you have lots to work with. Take it from here.
With regular traditional orchards or with espaliered trees, the first thing to do is always to build the structure you want. This takes time and requires much patience. Few branches will start as sprouts that are truly inclined where you want them to go. I like to take sprouts that come out a little below where I want them and carefully train them while they're flexible. If you have two going the same way, keep them both and choose the best one in a year or two or three. Espaliers using horizontal arms are the most common, but these require almost constant attention throughout the year. If you use a fan-style pattern, there isn't so much constant correction. With a fan pattern, you must allow the branches to grow longer than with horizontal arms, and that may call for more support. The area close to the trunk will be needed for the bases of the fan arms in later years. Fruit close to the trunk will not be an option. You might consider planning ahead for higher support for when the branches reach that height and begin to bear.
We always plant orchards for the next generation, and this is true of espaliered trees, too. But espaliered trees are also works of art. Make sure your signature in the corner will make those who see it nod in recognition of someone with skill and patience and a good eye. Do the very best job you can, and that will be good enough. I wish you well.
With regular traditional orchards or with espaliered trees, the first thing to do is always to build the structure you want. This takes time and requires much patience. Few branches will start as sprouts that are truly inclined where you want them to go. I like to take sprouts that come out a little below where I want them and carefully train them while they're flexible. If you have two going the same way, keep them both and choose the best one in a year or two or three. Espaliers using horizontal arms are the most common, but these require almost constant attention throughout the year. If you use a fan-style pattern, there isn't so much constant correction. With a fan pattern, you must allow the branches to grow longer than with horizontal arms, and that may call for more support. The area close to the trunk will be needed for the bases of the fan arms in later years. Fruit close to the trunk will not be an option. You might consider planning ahead for higher support for when the branches reach that height and begin to bear.
We always plant orchards for the next generation, and this is true of espaliered trees, too. But espaliered trees are also works of art. Make sure your signature in the corner will make those who see it nod in recognition of someone with skill and patience and a good eye. Do the very best job you can, and that will be good enough. I wish you well.
