I'm contemplating getting a whip of the appropriate rootstock/cultivar combination for the bottom rung, topping it at about 36", grafting a second cultivar there, going up about 18" and repeating with a third variety for another 18" and one more time for a fourth variety.

I'm also thinking that each "layer" could be host to one or two other varieties- that way I could indulge my whims when tempted by one must-have variety or another.

I believe Konrad and others have discussed this approach and I'd appreciate input.

Thanks much,

Mark

But that's a question for another thread. Maybe you should start one on it- it's a good question.

The upper tiers will still eventually require the cycling of branches, but at a much slower pace if they aren't too vigorous.

You may have to use a cleft graft with liberty to get started- the variety is not too generous with well placed water sprouts.

Konrad recently noted his intention of placing later ripening varieties up higher to prevent early dropping fruit from damaging that below.

I would add that it can be tough to pick the top of a large tree(with a ladder) without clearing the fruit from the lower tiers first. It adds a complication in choosing varieties but is worth considering if you let the trees get that size.

This is very, very useful. It remains to be seen whether I will actually need to build this "fantasy tree" but now that I know it's doable I'd really like to. I just don't have the space, dern it all!

What I probably really, truly need to do is whack poor Mister Liberty back very severely and top-work every bit of it to all those varieties I lust after. But I find that kind of thing very hard to do. Need to get over it, I guess.

But I'm enjoying this idea so much I think I'll start a new thread about the details and see if I can garner a few more gems like the above- Thanks again to you all.

Mark