Standard Quercus Ilex

I have four stems which I wish to try to turn into standard-grown trees and would much appreciate advice as to how to accomplish this.
The stems are about 2.7metres tall with a diam. of 6cms and are straight. The top 60cms. or so of the stems have some side shoots which are unevenly distributed and these have been pruned back to between 4 and 15 cms. from the stem. There is no growth below that point. The trees have been imported from Italy [ precise source unknown].
I have heard, but do not know the process, that it is possible to induce further new side-shoot growth from the stem by some means of  scoring the stem with a sharp blade. 
Has anyone any information or experience of such horticultural practice please?
Edward Faridany www.ekf@lineone.net
Sussex. Zone8/9 
 
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