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 Braeburn apple tree?
Braeburn has a very dense crisp texture and does well as a fan or espalier, appreciating the warmer environment.
How long does it take to grow an espalier apple tree?
five to seven years
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.
Which apple tree is best for espalier?
Best Apple Varieties for Espalier Training
- Early ripening. Adore. Divine. Cox’s Orange Pippin.
- Mid season ripening. Ariane. Baujade. Freyberg.
- Mid-late season Ripening. Lady in Red. Braeburn. Splendour.
- Late season ripening. Belle de Boskoop. Mother. TIP BEARING VARIETIES (not recommended for espalier – except for informal fan shapes)
What fruit tree can be espalier?
Apple and pear trees are the traditional espalier subject because their spurs live for years producing fruit (although certain cultivars are better than others) and they have supple, easily trained new growth, but other fruit trees that sometimes are espaliered include fig (Ficus carica), peaches, cherries and …
What wire do you use for espalier?
stainless steel rope wire
Espaliers can be achieved using high tensile fencing wire and a strainer and are quite durable. But for the added aesthetic (it is an artform after all) most horticulturists will use stainless steel rope wire and fixings.
Can any apple trees be espaliered?
Fans and espaliers are popular ways of training fruit trees to grow against a wall or on a trellis. Most apple and pear varieties which produce their fruit on spurs (rather than on the tips of their branches) can be trained as espaliers.
How do you train an apple tree to espalier?
Allow the top buds to grow up in spring. In the winter of the second year when the tree is dormant, the vertical stem should then be cut back to two buds above the second wire and the two new side shoots will then form the next horizontal layer with the top bud forming the new leader.
Do espalier fruit trees need support?
Espaliers need to be trained to a wall or on wires fixed to posts. The posts need to be secured in the ground.
Can you grow espalier trees in pots?
You can also buy espaliered trees in pots at garden centres which are available all year round. These are perfect for growing where space is limited. The trees usually have two tiers of branches and will quickly make three or four tiers.
Can any apple tree be espalier?
Most apple and pear varieties which produce their fruit on spurs (rather than on the tips of their branches) can be trained as espaliers.
How wide do espalier apple trees grow?
They grow to around 10 feet tall without other training. These trees would normally be planted between 4 and 8 feet apart. However, as an espalier they can grow as close as 2 feet apart within a row, if kept to 5 feet tall.