Fans are created from two branches radiating out from a short main trunk 24-30 cm (10-12 in) high, to form a 'V' shape. The two main branches are further trained to generate a number of other branches, which eventually form a fan shape. This method provides a decorative way in which to grow peaches, cherries, plums, apples and damsons.

On Planting

1. Set up a series of horizontal support wires, 15 cm (6 in) apart, starting at 38 cm (15 in) above ground level.
2. Choose two laterals, one on either side, about 24-30 cm (10-12 in) above the ground. These will form the 2 main 'arms' of the fan.
3. Remove the leader just above the higher lateral. It is important that the fan does not retain this central leader, as this will encourage excessive growth at the top of the fan, leaving the base bare.
4. Prune both of the selected laterals to about 38 cm (15 in) just above a strong bud. This will encourage sideshoots to form.
5. Tie 2 bamboo canes to the support wires to form a 'V' shape originating from where the laterals join the main stem. Set the canes at an angle of 40° from the vertical.
6. Tie the two laterals to the canes with garden string.
7. Cut back any lower laterals to one bud; these will act as a reserve until the main laterals have established.

First Summer

1. By midsummer, each arm of the fan should have its own side branches. Select 2 sideshoots on top of each arm and 1 underneath and tie them to canes fixed to the wires at 30° to the original support cane.
2. Choose a shoot to continue the main laterals and pinch back other shoots to one leaf.
3. Remove any badly placed shoots.

Second Spring

1. Cut back the extension growth on the two main arms by two-thirds to strong buds facing in the right direction. This will promote healthy growth.
2. Second Summer
3. Continue to tie in selected developing shoots, using new canes set at 30° to the previous cane to extend the framework.
4. Pinch back weak shoots or any that are facing in the wrong direction.
5. Cut away any shoots that emerge from below the two main arms.

Third Spring

1. Shorten all the new ribs by one quarter.

Third Summer

1. Choose a number of new shoots to form the last of the main ribs of the fan.
2. Thin out any sideshoots so that they are 10-15 cm (4-6 in) apart, keeping those that lie in the plane of the fan, but removing those that are growing outwards or towards the wall.
3. On each blossom-bearing side shoot, pinch back to a point just above six leaves from the base.

Maintenance

Once the fan is fully established, it must be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and maximise its fruiting. The exact pruning technique will depend on the fruit type.