type: Trident

In contrast to the U-shape, a Common Trident has a central branch. The disadvantage of this is that a heart branch naturally has a larger sap flow and tends to grow faster than the other framework branches. This means that both framework branches on the outside easily suffer a growth retardation.

By creating curves you can direct the growth and development of the tree.

You can control the growth power of the heart branch by applying curves (geometric shapes) in the heart branch. This has the following effects / advantages:

• inhibition of vegetative growth
  The central branch will put relatively less energy into leaf and shoot formation.
  This is beneficial, because the heart branch is naturally inclined to grow stronger and to become (too) dominant compared to the two outer framework branches.
• stimulation of generative development
  The central branch will put relatively more energy into flower and fruit formation. This is usually beneficial, because it reduces pruning labor (and can increase the harvest).

In variants with geometric shapes in the framework branches, it is important in the cultivation phase that:
a) each shape is built up from two equal shoots
b) shapes are at regular distances from each other
c) each shape is carefully guided into a flowing shape

It is important to create smooth curves, in order to distribute the growth force evenly over the heart branch. This is particularly important for figures with right-angled curves (square and diamond). A (too) hard ‘bend’ in a framework branch can be counterproductive: it can block the sap flow, resulting in locally excessive shoot growth.

[mks_icon icon=”fa-lightbulb-o” color=”#0000ff” type=”fa”] The U shapes can be seen as a Trident without a heart branch. These espalier shapes do not have the problem of a heart branch!