If you’re eager to grow fruit trees but feel limited by space, there’s good news! You don’t need a sprawling orchard or a vast backyard to enjoy fresh fruit from your own garden.
An effective method is called “espalier,” a technique that dates back to the gardens of Versailles in the 1600s. Faced with cold winters, gardeners trained trees to grow flat against walls. This approach not only shielded the trees from harsh winds but also made excellent use of limited space.
Espalier trees can catch more sunlight and are often better at surviving chilly temperatures compared to their freely growing counterparts. Interestingly, they tend to produce more fruit, too.
### Ideal Trees for Espalier
When considering which trees to espalier, look for those with long, flexible branches. Varieties like apple, cherry, fig, peach, pear, plum, and quince are great choices. Even decorative trees such as magnolia and firethorn can work well.
The term “espalier” comes from French, meaning something you lean against, reflecting how these trees lean on their supports. Although popularized by the 17th-century French, the technique has roots that go back to ancient Egypt and medieval times.
### How to Train Your Espalier Trees
Training an espalier tree involves careful pruning and a bit of patience. You’ll need to remove unwanted branches and guide the remaining ones to grow sideways. This is done by securing them to a wall or fence using wires or frames until they adjust to the new shape.
Expect to do some maintenance, as trees can produce unwanted shoots that need to be trimmed. The growth of the desired branches may take a while, but you can help speed things along with a high-nitrogen fertilizer applied three times a season.
While the focus is on growth during this stage—so you likely won’t see flowers or fruit for a few years—the ultimate goal is to shape and size the tree to your liking. Once you’ve achieved that, switch to a fertilizer designed specifically for fruit trees, applying it just once each spring.
Be mindful, as this method can raise the risk of pest and disease issues due to reduced airflow around the tree. Regular checks are essential to ensure your trees stay healthy.
With dedicated care, your efforts will yield not just fruit, but also an attractive addition to your garden. The fruits of your labor will be sweeter when you can share your gardening success story with friends and family.
