Are you working with a small outdoor garden space but still yearning to grow a fruit tree? The espalier technique for fruit trees makes growing these edible delights possible in small spaces. You can enjoy hand-picked fruit from your backyard with a little bit of attentive pruning. This is not necessarily for the low-maintenance gardener, but if you’re willing to put in some time there are some definite benefits from learning how to espalier fruit trees.

With the espalier technique, you will train and prune your trees to grow horizontal branches (or branches in other specific directions) along a support- whether that be a fence, wall, or trellis. Nearly all woody plants can be trained with this method, but popular choices are fruit trees, evergreens, vines, or shrubs. Plants with long, flexible branches are easiest to espalier.

Why?

It is both a decorative and functional technique.

More fruit- Through intense pruning, energy is directed away from the typical abundant growth of vertical branches and into the lateral fruit-bearing branches. You will likely see greater yields from your trees using this technique.

Smaller footprint- It should be visually evident that using espalier works to reduce the footprint of your trees. You can grow in smaller, tighter spaces and even grow healthier trees because of the excellent air circulation they receive through prunings.

Use of Microclimate- Walls (especially south-facing) can radiate heat unfound elsewhere on your property. You might find that trees otherwise unable to survive in your particular zone will benefit from the microclimate created by growing against a wall.

Multiple Varieties- With this pruning system, you have the opportunity to graft multiple varieties of fruit onto the same tree. Here’s a thorough introduction to grafting.

Aesthetic value- Intense pruning makes for a clean, well-defined design in your landscape. The patterning is truly artful and visually appealing.

History

The word “espalier” is French and was derived from the Italian word “spalliera”. The technique is believed to have originated with the Romans but was transformed into an art form by the Europeans. In the Middle Ages, they used it mainly inside their castle or monastery walls to border large garden spaces without interfering with their open courtyards. Some classic styles appear to have been used in the 16th and 17th centuries in a more practical sense- to allow marginal climates to partake in fruit production.

It is evidenced that the technique was used in America as early as the 18th century.

Espalier Shapes

The four traditional patterns used within this technique are Cordon, Fan, Candelabra, and Belgian Fence (or Lattice).

Planting

Establish Trellis- You will need a trellis (commonly made out of wood or wire) either as a stand-alone piece or as something to mount on a wall. You’ll want your structure to have horizontal supports spaced equally apart in height.

Choose Tree- The most common fruit trees used as espalier subjects are apples and pears followed by cherries, pomegranates, and peaches. Trees of nectarines, apricots, and plums require more attentive and careful pruning. Smaller (dwarf) varieties will be simpler to train on all accounts. Think about the pliability of your branches when choosing a tree.

Pruning- Your main pruning will be done in late winter/early spring when the plant is dormant (or after it flowers if it is a spring bloomer). This is the time to remove any growth that doesn’t align with your pattern. The tree’s growth needs to be redirected to the buds that face the direction you want the branches to grow.

Maintenance- Once your tree is mature, it will still require shaping every month or two. You’ll need to prune off any branches that don’t follow your chosen espalier pattern.