How to Espalier Fruit Trees, Vines, and Other Greenery
How to Espalier Fruit Trees, Vines, and Other Greenery
Espalier is the term used to describe the process of training trees, shrubs, and woody vines against a flat surface, such as a wall.
Espalier is the term used to describe the process of training trees, shrubs, and woody vines against a flat surface, such as a wall.
You can also train them to a freestanding fence or trellis.
You can also train them to a freestanding fence or trellis.
Step 1: Plan your pattern. Espalier fruit trees in a pattern. Fruit trees are often grown horizontally (diagram A) to maximize the fruit set.
Step 1: Plan your pattern.Espalier fruit trees in a pattern. Fruit trees are often grown horizontally (diagram A) to maximize the fruit set.
Step 2: Choose a location. Any solid wall will do as long as there is enough light for the plant you want and room to plant.
Step 2: Choose a location. Any solid wall will do as long as there is enough light for the plant you want and room to plant.
Step 3: Choose the plant. Most plants can be espaliered, but those with naturally spreading branches, such as apple, pear, quince, and camellia, work best.
Step 3: Choose the plant. Most plants can be espaliered, but those with naturally spreading branches, such as apple, pear, quince, and camellia, work best.
Step 4: Prepare the support. Run wires between nails in the wall or posts in the ground to create three horizontal lines.
Step 4: Prepare the support. Run wires between nails in the wall or posts in the ground to create three horizontal lines.
Plant the tree or shrub. Set the plant about a foot in front of the support structure.
Plant the tree or shrub. Set the plant about a foot in front of the support structure.