Espalier for Fruit Trees

Espalier is a two-dimensional training system that was developed during the Middle Ages as a way to grow fruit trees against castle walls.  Today espalier is used mainly for its visual appeal, but it also provides fruit crops that are very easy to harvest.

The most popular fruit trees to espalier are apples, but pears are also good candidates. We do not grow espalier trees on our orchard, so our knowledge of this system is minimal. That said, here are a few tips:

• Like any other apple tree, your espalier will require well-drained soil and at least six hours sunlight a day.
• If you are planning an espalier for your front yard, you probably do not want a tree that requires an intensive spray regime. Choose disease-resistant cultivars.
• Be patient! Your tree will need to put all its energy into developing its framework for the first few years. During this period it should not be allowed to bear any fruit. 
• Although you can espalier any tree, you should bear in mind the final effect you are hoping to achieve when choosing your rootstock; a dwarfing rootstock will produce a mature trunk with a much smaller diameter than a standard rootstock. Most growers prefer dwarfing trees for espalier.
• You can espalier on any support system that can bear the weight of your tree: lattice, trellis, the side of your house, or a wall.
• There are no rules about the final form of your tree, but there are many beautiful traditional forms to choose from. Check out this pruning tutorial: Gardens Illustrated Espalier.