I have a gooseberry bush with long branches that is nightmare to pick berries from. I pruned it today to be tied to espalier in a fan shape, this way I at least can come close to it and not be caught by branches sticking in all directions. I have two questions though, I can’t find answer to.
First, how to you deal with replacement branches? Do you let them grow free, until it is time to remove the old one or tie them as well? I am not sure how I will be able to tie young branch, when whole espalier is covered with older branches in summer. May be let it grow free till next spring pruning and then fit it in?
Second, do you prune excess grows in summer to keep your espalier tidy?
Thanks in advance!