What apple trees are best for espalier?

Can you train any apple tree to espalier?

Espalier training is suitable for apples that are spur bearing and on dwarf or semi-dwarfing rootstocks MM106, M26, MM111. These rootstocks are vigorous enough for the tree to grow long branches and reach the correct height, while keeping relatively compact so you don’t have too much pruning to do.

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.

Can any tree be espaliered?

Almost any woody plant with long flexible branches can be used for espalier.

What does espalier mean?

espalier. / (ɪˈspæljə) / noun. an ornamental shrub or fruit tree that has been trained to grow flat, as against a wall. the trellis, framework, or arrangement of stakes on which such plants are trained.

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.

What is the difference between espalier and Pleaching?

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.

Why are pleached trees so expensive?

Prices and Ordering

Mature pleached trees are more expensive, due to the expert care and skill that has gone into crafting such beautiful trees.

How do you maintain espalier trees?

To keep my espaliers looking neat, tidy, and at the desired height and shape, I prune them back regularly about once a month during the growing season until six weeks before the first frost is expected. On trees that produce fruit, I wait until the fruit has set to do any pruning.

How do you make an espalier?

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.

What espalier is best?

As a general rule, woody trees are the most suitable for espaliering. Traditionally fruit trees of the citrus, apple and pear varieties have been a popular choices as their stems are hardy and unwanted growth is easier to remove.

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 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.

Can I plant an apple tree next to a fence?

Trained Fruit Trees

Apples, peaches and pears can be grown against a wall or fence in trained forms such as fans, espaliers or single-stemmed cordons. Walls that face the midday and afternoon sun will help to ripen fruits and are great for warmth-loving fruits such as figs.

How do you start an espalier apple tree?

What do you tie espalier with?

Rubber Plant Ties 50-pack

Ideal for fixing a branch to bamboo or an espalier wire. Soft, flexible rubber so they dont bite into the branch. Easy to apply, easy to remove, UV stable so will last for years. They do have some stretch in them to allow for branch growth, but should be adjusted every year.

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.