How much space do you need between espalier?

How long do espalier trees live?

Because they are less susceptible to breaking branches, espaliered trees can have an incredible life span – some espaliered apple trees are still producing fruit after 150 years!

How far apart are espalier posts?

Espalier systems and wire spacing.

The number of wires is determined by the height and number of tiers. As a starting point, 30-40cm apart would be a reasonable spacing. For a 4 wire spacing, 40cm would reach 1.6m high, while a 5 wire spacing at 35cm apart would reach 1.75m high.

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.

Can any tree be espalier?

Trees that are suitable for espalier

As a general rule, woody trees are the most suitable for espaliering. Traditionally fruit trees of the citrus, apple and pear varieties have been a popular choices as their stems are hardy and unwanted growth is easier to remove.

What do you tie espalier with?

Can you train any fruit tree as espalier?

Only apple and pears can be trained as espaliers, as cherry and plums will break when you bend them horizontally. Cherries and plums can be grown as fans. The first task is to erect a training system for the tree against a wall, fence or on the edge of a border, wherever the chosen spot may be.

What is the difference between fan trained and espalier?

If you want a very formal effect then choose espalier-trained trees, as the 90-degree angles between the stem and the branches create an attractive regimented appearance, compared with the more variable angles of fan-trained trees. Conversely for a flowing semi-formal effect, choose a fan-trained tree.

Can you espalier full size fruit trees?

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.

Can you espalier a mature fruit tree?

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. Whether on young or older trees, espalier pruning can take 5-10 years to reach a finished design.

How much sun does an espalier tree need?

Choose a location that gets enough sunlight (6 to 8 hours) with fertile, well-draining soil. A south-, east-, or west-facing wall or fence is ideal.

Can you espalier pomegranate?

Pomegranates are versatile plants that can be grown as a small tree, shrub or hedge. They can be espaliered, kept in large pots or even turned into a bonsai if you’re feeling creative.

How long does it take to espalier trees?

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.

What is the difference between pleached and espalier?

There’s always confusion between these different types of trained trees. 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.

What plants are best for espalier?

What kind of wire is used for espalier?

Run 12-gauge wire through the openings of the eyebolts, and pull tight. It helps to have turnbuckles at the end of each run to take up slack if the wire stretches. Each wire represents the path a branch will take as the tree grows into an espalier.

How do you set up espalier wires?