Instead of planting fruit trees in an orchard-like arrangement they could be pruned and trained into an assortment of different shapes, either free standing or supported against a wall, fence or any other structure. One such a technique of training trees in a planar pattern is known as Espalier. Espalier is a European technique that has been employed for hundreds of years, particularly for fruit trees.

The Espalier method allows the fruit bearing part of the tree to always face the sun, whereas in a bush-style some branches and leaves will shadow others. The technique is about efficiency and growth but also, as an added bonus in time, becomes aesthetics. Espalier leads to a spectacular look, especially if the plant is framed against a brick or even better a stone wall.

Espalier method enables the fruit to ripen more quickly and the concentration of the fruit makes it more effortless to gather the crop. Growing fruit trees trained this way will have one or more vertical main trunks with selected horizontal side shoots bearing the fruit.

Espalier training does not necessarily require a wall or fence. The fruit trees can be coached using a network, as needed, of extended support such as bamboo. However, mature espaliered fruit trees demand a strong support, particularly when laden with their mature fruit. Therefore when you have a choice, go with dwarf or semi-dwarf type of fruit trees and if a wall is used a south-facing or west-facing one will be best.

Espalier-trained trees can trained to become a hedgerow to separate different areas of the garden both physically and visually and get the benefit of the fruit as well. An Espaliered fruit tree needs pruning at least two or three times a year to preserve its shape. Apple, Apricot, Peach and Nectarine, Fig, Persimmon and Pomegranate are some of the fruit trees that lend themselves well espalier forms.

Espalier

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The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.