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
Can all fruit trees be espaliered?
You can try your hand at espaliering any variety of fruit tree, as long as the fruit tree suits your climate, but dwarf or semi-dwarf trees are best for small spaces. Since apple trees are a common choice for espalier, note that spur-bearing apple trees are even better if you want more fruit from your living fence.
Is it hard to espalier fruit trees?
Technically yes, but it’s more difficult, and requires more time. 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.
How do you start an espalier apple tree?
What is the best fruit tree to espalier? – Related Questions
Which apple tree is best for espalier?
Espalier Apple Tree Varieties
While any apple can be espaliered, for a horizontal cordon system, choose a dwarf or semi-dwarf, spur-type apple variety. ‘Macintosh’ and its many crosses are good choices for the horizontal cordon system because their branches tend to grow horizontally already.
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.
How long does it take to espalier an apple 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 plant an espalier?
How do I set up espalier?
Here’s how
- Step 1 Select a sunny spot.
- Step 2 On each sleeper, measure and mark 500mm from ground.
- Step 3 Along 1 sleeper, attach 1 end of bottlescrew to each screw eye and unwind halfway.
- Step 4 Run wire rope to screw eye in opposite sleeper.
- Step 5 Plant tree 150-200mm from wire support.
How do you set up an espalier orchard?
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.
How much space do espalier fruit trees need?
Trees should be planted 3.75m-6m (12-20ft) apart, according to their vigour.
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.
How far apart should espalier wires be?
The wires must be tight. Each wire should be at least 400mm apart to ensure light can penetrate to each branch. Leave 300mm between the wires and the wall. This allows for good airflow and prevents the tree scraping on the wall.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Can I plant fruit trees 8 feet apart?
Citrus trees only require about 8 feet to grow properly. If you choose semi-dwarf or dwarf-sized trees, then you’ll need less space between them. Most dwarf-sized fruit trees require 10 feet by 10 feet of space, though dwarf-sized pear trees require 12 feet by 12 feet of space.