Editing Fruit tree forms (section)

{{Short description|Shapes of fruit tree}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2007}}
[[Image:Fruit tree forms at Gaasbeek.JPG|thumb|right|285px|A test site with several fruit tree forms located at [[Gaasbeek Castle]]]]

Fruit trees are grown in a variety of shapes, sometimes for aesthetic appeal but mainly to encourage fruit production. The form or shape of [[fruit trees]] can be manipulated by [[Pruning fruit trees|pruning]] and training. Shaping and promoting a particular tree form is undertaken to establish the plant in a particular situation under certain environmental conditions, to increase fruit yield, and to enhance fruit quality. For example, pruning a tree to a [[pyramid]] shape enables trees to be planted closer together.{{citation needed|date=May 2012}} An open bowl or cup form helps sunlight penetrate the canopy, thus encouraging a high fruit yield whilst keeping the tree short and accessible for harvesting.{{citation needed|date=May 2012}} Other shapes such as [[cordon (plant)|cordon]]s, [[espalier]]s and fans provide opportunities for growing trees two dimensionally against walls or fences, or they can be trained to function as barriers.