You can espalier a pear tree along a wall or fence, or else along a walkway. In either case, you’ll need to first plant the tree. Pick among pear trees suitable for espalier. One of the popular pear trees suitable for espalier is the Kieffer pear (Pyrus ‘Kieffer’).
What is the best fruit tree to espalier?
Apple and pear trees are the traditional espalier subject because their spurs live for years producing fruit (although certain cultivars are better than others) and they have supple, easily trained new growth, but other fruit trees that sometimes are espaliered include fig (Ficus carica), peaches, cherries and
How do you train an espalier pear tree?
Pruning an unfeathered maiden (one-year-old tree with no sideshoots)
- When planting an unfeathered maiden, cut back the main stem to 30cm (1ft) from the ground.
- Allow the top three buds to grow out in spring, then train the top one vertically up a cane, and tie the others to canes at 45 degrees to the main stem.
How do you plant espalier pears?
Sow and Plant
Prepare a large hole by breaking up the soil and adding plenty of well-rotted organic matter. A wide hole is better than a very deep one. Mulch after planting, and encircle the trunk with a wire cage or protective pipe to protect the young tree from animal and insect pests.
Can you espalier pear trees? – Related Questions
Do espalier trees produce more fruit?
Because there will be more fruiting spurs produced along the horizontal branches than the vertical trunk, eventually you will have many fruits setting on your espaliered tree, so make sure your support is strong.
Do espalier trees need a wall?
Espaliers need to be trained to a wall or on wires fixed to posts. The posts need to be secured in the ground.
How do you plant an espalier fruit tree?
Place the tree in the centre of the hole and check the level by placing a cane across the gap – add or remove soil as necessary. Fill the hole with soil, firming gently until you reach the top. Firm the soil with your heel, drench with water and mulch with well-rotted manure.
How do you start an espalier tree?
To espalier, prune to create a main vertical stem, then train the side branches to achieve the desired shape. Depending on the plant, this can take a year or two to establish and requires regular care. Thereafter, an espalier requires only light pruning to hold its shape.
How close together can you plant espalier fruit trees?
The standard horizontal espalier can be spaced at around 4′-5′ apart with branches reaching out as far as halfway between trees. Trees can also be spaced out much further apart if you have more space.
How far apart should espalier branches be?
The space between each branch is 16 inches. This spacing may look too wide when the plant is young, but it fills in quickly as the tree matures.
When should I start espalier?
It’s best to espalier when a fruit tree is in its first or second year. Older, more mature trees are difficult to train and shape. It can take up to three years to bend mature branches. Whether on young or older trees, espalier pruning can take 5-10 years to reach a finished design.
What ties to use for espalier?
Rubber Plant Ties 50-pack
A Pack of 50 rubberized plant ties. Ideal for fixing a branch to bamboo or an espalier wire. Soft, flexible rubber so they dont bite into the branch.
What is the difference between espalier and cordon?
The main difference between cordon and esaplier training is that cordon training involves training the tree in one upright direction on a single stem, whereas espalier training means training the tree branches outwards in a horizontal direction.
How far should espalier be from fence?
If training against a wall or solid fence, a trellis system should be built 10″-12″ away from the wall to allow air circulation around the tree. When planting trees for espalier, it is best to start with young, unbranched whips, or branched trees with branches starting at 15″-18″ above planting depth.
What is the difference between espalier and pleached?
A pleached fruit tree is tall with a single clear trunk and a fruiting square crown. An espaliered fruit tree has numerous horizontal branches running from a single central trunk.
How long does it take to espalier a tree?
It generally takes five to seven years to create a completed espalier structure and harvest fruit. Until that time, prune out any developing fruit. Your goal in the first few years is to encourage the tree to put all of its energy into growing branches that establish the basic framework.
How do you prune an espalier pear?