SugarTyme Crabapple Espalier - Four-Tier Horizontal Cordon - February 2026

Here is a look at a pair of SugarTyme Crabapple flowering trees that are (now, seemingly established) in their spot on the southside wall of our house.  These were first planted in Fall of 2021, they've (now) had four full growing seasons in the ground ('22, '23, '24, '25) and all but ONE of the eight limbs in the four-tier pair has extended out.  The missing limb is on the tree on the left, the lower right branch.   

I last posted a photo of these trees when they were loaded full of foliage in late October 2025.  At that time, it was showing the curls on the tips of the limbs. Curling downward.  I wrote this:

Of note, late Winter pruning and support with stakes is something I should put on my list of tasks. The tips of the limbs are arching down due to the weight of the crabapples and foliage. Still...these look really good and are providing a great view against the large expanse of white Hardieboard siding.

Winter pruning and support.  Looking back at the photo from October, the tiers of the espalier were starting to get a little too close together on the tips as they arched down.  Getting them to stay separated and, as they continue to extend outward, straight and parallel to the ground is something I'm going to continue to pursue.  

When it comes to pruning, I'm (now) planning on seeing if I can get one more tier on top of the current four.  I'll leave a leader (apical meristem) out of the top and let it grow for the season.  

Something else on my mind:  the final form.  Do I want to go back to the Palmette Verrier Espalier shape?  With the tips bent upward?  Maybe.