Starting Espaliers

Question

I recently bought two-year-old apple trees and want to train them as an espalier. The lowest branches are too high for my desired lowest tier. If I cut the trees back to this height now, will they sprout new growth at this height or will it kill them off?

Answer 1

It would most likely kill them to be cut back that severely. Plus, if it did survive and regrow, the growth it would have would not be suitable for espalier.