Espalier Trees

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

The palmette verrier design, with its horizontally growing branches turning vertical at the ends, or the vertical form of candelabra, are great if you want to plant several trees against a structure without having them grow into one another. The horizontal cordon shape would be an easy match for a McIntosh's branches, which naturally grow horizontally. A Newtown pippin would be great for a fan shape because of its natural upright branching pattern.

"It's not imperative to make such matches between the design and tree—it just makes training them that much easier," says Hooper. "Pick what you like and what's suitable for your climate, and simply realize that it's going to take some time to mature."

Four Steps to Growing an Espaliered Apple Tree

THE ONE-YEARWHIP: Once you've decided on the type of fruit you want based on your climate and the design you favor, select and purchase the youngest tree possible. Look for a one-year "whip," or relatively unbranched tree, growing from dwarf or semidwarf bare-root stock. If space is very much at a premium, use dwarf root stock; if you want a vigorous growing tree, use semidwarf. Buy them bare root during the dormant season—which, depending on where you live, can be anywhere from October to late April. Ideally, the earlier you can get a tree planted in the dormant season, the better the roots establish themselves.

Next, prune the whip way back (before or after planting) so it's only 18" to 24" tall. "The trees look like pathetic sticks," says Hooper, "but it's the only way to encourage the growth of lower lateral branches." Nutrients would flow to the top branches if you didn't cut back the leader and allow an even flow of nutrients throughout the plant. "With espalier, the whole point is to keep the lower branches fruitful and vig orous so that the fruit is strictly within reach of the ground:' As the tree matures, pruning and maintenance is a snap, which is why it's often favored by elderly gardeners or people with disabilities.

PLANTING: You'll treat your bare-root espalier no differently than any other bare root when it comes to planting. Of course, you must give thought to your climate and the best exposure. Apple trees need approximately six hours of daily sunlight (southern or western exposure is best). If your summers are extremely hot, espaliered apple trees may need the shade and cooler temperatures of an east wall or fence.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print