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
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.
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.
What is an espalier fruit tree?
Espalier trained trees consist of a vertical trunk and a set of horizontal arms or tiers extending either way bearing short lateral branches or spurs on which fruit is produced. Espalier trees are useful for growing fruit trees where space is limited and as a decorative feature on walls and fences.
What is the best fruit tree to espalier? – Related Questions
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.
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 do you espalier fruit trees?
Correct Espalier Technique
The branches are tied gently to the wire. Any flexible material can be used, including stockings, pieces of cloth, or flexible plant tape. The plant is encouraged to grow along the wire; not forced. Tying it back too tightly only restricts movement and growth.
Why do you espalier fruit trees?
Why should I train an espalier? Espalier trees allow you to pick fruit at a comfortable height without the need for a ladder. They’re usually grown flat against a wall with two or three tiers of branches that grow outwards, but you can also grow them on wires to make a living fence.
Why do people espalier trees?
Espaliering can help keep your fruit trees in check while still providing you with a bountiful harvest. Implementing an espalier tree still requires maintenance throughout your growing season, but no more than any other backyard fruit tree.
How do you do 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.
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?
To create a joined up line of espaliers, plant trees around 3m apart. Before planting, give the roots a thorough soak, submerging in a bucket of water for at least 10 minutes.
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 is espalier from the wall?
These wires will form the structure that the espalier will be trained to and must be taut to support the weight of the tree as it grows. The 4- to 6-inch space between the wall and the tree allows for air circulation and prevents fungal and bacterial diseases from plaguing the leaves.
Can you espalier oranges?
But you might want to try any citrus as an espalier. For example, a Valencia orange would work, lemon trees are popular, as are Kaffir limes, because of the knobbly fruit and the beautiful segmented or double-lobed leaves – it’s a glossy tree in any garden.
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.