Espalier

You can grow fruit and nut trees in surprisingly small areas using a method called espalier.

Espaliered trees are trained to grow in a two dimensional form, usually along a fence or wall, on a trellis, or between support wires.

Pear tree espaliered into a candelabra (Matthew Trump) CC BY-SA 3.0

We get the word espalier from the Italian word spalliera, which means ‘something to rest your shoulder against.’ This was back when the word referred to the structural framework used to support the initial growth of the tree. Now, we say that a tree trained in this way has been espaliered.

​Espalier basics

Put simply, a tree is espaliered by cutting it back to a specific height, usually 18 inches, and then retaining only two or three buds. As these buds grow out into branches, they are trained along a trellis, fence, or support wires, while still flexible. As these branches mature, they become rigid. Buds on these branches are selected for the next level of growth and all other buds are rubbed off. Over time, a simple or complex structure can emerge that takes up very little space, but that can produce a surprising amount of food. 

Belgian fence espalier in winter (Andy VanCleve) CC BY-SA 3.0

Benefits of espalier tree training

Tree training, in general, provides several benefits to the trees and to homeowners. Dead, diseased, and crossed branches are removed, the tree is opened up for better air circulation and sun exposure, and the likelihood of broken branches due to an overly heavy crop is reduced with proper tree care. Espalier training takes it a step further by controlling the size and location of where a fruit or nut tree can be grown successfully.

A mature standard sized fruit tree can get quite large. Standard apple trees are 30’ across and 30’ tall, semi-dwarfs reach 20’ high and 20’ across, and even dwarf trees will grow to 15’ tall and 15’ wide unless they are pruned for size. Many homeowners simply do not have that kind of space available. This is where espalier training is particularly useful. In addition to keeping trees healthy, espaliered trees offer additional benefits:

• less space is used
• harvest is maximized
• being against a fence or wall, more heat is retained overnight, extending the growing season
• oriented parallel to the equator, trees absorb the maximum amount of available sunlight

How to espalier a tree

The first step in espaliering a young tree, shrub, or woody vine, is to transplant it 6 to 12 inches from a wall, fence, or trellis. This spacing is important for air flow and pest control. You can then install eye bolts into masonry joints, galvanized eye screws into a wooden fence, or build a trellis to support and train your tree. Starting while the tree is small, prune it to create a central stem (trunk). As branches emerge, only paired horizontal branches are retained. All other new buds are pruned away or rubbed off. These paired branches are trained to grow along the same horizontal plane, normally along an support wire or wooden framework. Grapes have been grown in this way for thousands of years.

Dormant espaliered grapes

Espaliered grapes in spring

 There are several variations on the espalier theme:

• Belgian fence - Several trees are planted two feet apart and cut to a height of 18 inches. Only the top three buds are allowed to remain, one growing up and the other two are trained to grow to either side, either horizontal or into a V-shape. Over time, a Belgian fence can create a formidable barrier.
• Cordon - Cordons are the side arms of spur-pruned grape vines that are left in place each year. Fruit and nut trees can be espaliered with the same idea in mind.
• Drapeau marchand - Angled arms support upright branches that are trained to grow at right angles.
• Horizontal T (or horizontal cordon) - Similar to the stepover method, but the vertical stem is cut each spring, creating a new V-shape each year. Each level takes one year to develop.
• Palmette (or fan) - Flexible branches are pulled into a radiating pattern and tied to a trellis.
• Stepover - Each autumn, while new branches are still flexible, they are pulled down into a horizontal plane and tied to the trellis or wire.
• V-shape - Trees are cut to a height of 18 inches and two buds are allowed to grow into a V-shape. This is the basis for several other espalier training designs.
• Verrier candelabra - Cordons are trained horizontally and then vertical branches grow from the ends of those horizontals to create a candelabra shape.

Which trees can be espaliered?

There are many different edible trees, shrubs, and woody vines that be trained into an espalier. These plants include almond, apple, Asian pears, crabapple, citrus, fig, loquat, nectarine, olive, peach, pear, and plum. Many different ornamental plants, such as yew, privet, magnolia, winter jasmine, and camellia can also be espaliered.

Free-standing stepover espaliered fruit tree (Graham Bould) Public Domain

Espaliered trees can be used as hedges, walls, or yard art. With skill and patience, free-standing espaliered trees can create a big impact.