Hello everyone.

My oldest tree is about to go into what I believe is its 3rd winter. This is my first year with the tree and it was not trained previously into any espalier form. Essentially, the main trunk has lateral shoots, but they are going in random directions that are not beneficial to espaliering. I also see no sign of it producing more lateral shoots from the main trunk that I can train at the heights & direction I desire. I'll need 4 lateral shoots on each side of the main trunk to achieve the look I desire below.

So, my questions are: Is it ever too late? Or will the main trunk continue to produce lateral shoots throughout its lifetime that I can continue to train in the direction I desire?

-Ross

I find there is a lot of flexibility in the fig wood even after some years.  Make sure your trees are single trunk.  I have found that if several trunks are growing from the basal flair, they are attached much more weakly and are prone to break if moved too much.  Also, make small adjustments to the limb.  As the the limb gets used to being in that position, move it some more.  It seems as though gross movements restrict the plumbing and the top does not grow so well.

Hi ross,
It all depends on the nodes that you can see on the trunk. If there are not enough nodes at the current trunk, you can cut it at 1' /20 cm and let the tree grow a new trunk.
If the trunk has enough nodes, it is then a game of pruning and patience. You can do it, it may take some time. Look at the apple trees on your picture. Those are not young either .
When a branch develops at the right place, guide it to the right position. If a branch develops in between positions that are interesting for you, just cut it.
The first step is to have the trunk raise the proper height. Then cut the top bud, and watch the tree shoot branches and guide or remove them.
Good luck !
Do you have pics of the tree ?

James & France,

I just took another look at the tree--it definitely seems possible. Like you said James, the tree is a lot more bendable than I thought. As for the buds... there really aren't a whole lot, but the position of the lateral branches is enough to make it work.

My new questions: I'm assuming I'd want to start this right away because the winter will harden the branches further? And can I leave the tree in its container? Will I need to support & train the branches during the winter?--I can move the tree into my shed for the winter, but I don't want to have to dig up and move the support I was intending to use.

Thanks for the help so far guys.