January 7 2012 Espaliered Fruit Trees Originally published in the Contra Costa Times by Terry Lippert, UC Master Gardener Espaliered fruit trees are a good fit

for the smaller yard.

SUMMARY Q: I would like to grow fruit trees in my Consider Apples, Pears at First: back yard, but the yard is very small. A If you are growing your first espalier, If you have a spot with friend suggested that I grow espaliered consider an apple or pear tree. These enough sun, fruit trees trees. How do I get started? trees produce fruit on the same fruiting can be grown even in the spurs year after year, allowing you to smallest of yards by A: Having a small yard need not deter easily maintain the espalier framework. using a centuries-old you from growing fruit trees. When Other fruit trees, including peaches, pruning and training pruned as an espalier, a fruit tree will nectarines, apricots, cherries, figs and technique known as grow in a flat plane against a fence or citrus can be grown in the espalier style, espalier (ess-pahl-yay). wall and occupy little yard space. but proper annual pruning of these trees Apples or pears are Despite the minimal space they need, is more complicated than for apples or easiest for the beginner, espaliered fruit trees can produce pears. and can even be abundant harvests. obtained “pre-trained”. Getting Good Fruit Set: Location, Location, Location: Apple and pear trees need cross- Start by choosing a location for the tree. pollination for best fruit set. This Fruit trees require at least six hours of requirement means that you need to sun. If you live in an area where summer have at least two different apple varieties daytime temperatures regularly exceed or two different pear varieties that 90 degrees, look for an east facing fence bloom at the same time in relatively or wall or another location that has good close proximity to each other. Multiple morning sun but shade in the heat of the varieties of apples or pears can be day. In cooler climates, espaliered trees grafted onto the same tree to provide for can be grown against a south or west cross-pollination. Or you can plant two facing fence or wall. Plan for about trees. Check with your nursery supplier seven feet of width for the mature tree. to confirm that the varieties you choose Check for good drainage. are compatible. Dwarfing rootstock makes it easier to maintain the espalier shape.

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ccmg.ucanr.edu January 7, 2012: Espaliered Fruit Trees, page 2

Pre-Trained Trees Available: Espalier Shapes: Many nurseries sell apple and pear trees Many different espalier shapes can be that have already been trained into an used. For your first espalier tree, start espalier shape. If you select this type of with a simple shape. Espaliered apples tree, you can plant it just like you would and pears started by nurseries often have plant any other small fruit tree. Your two or three horizontal cordons. U or “Apple and pear trees main task then becomes one of Double U shapes are also good choices maintaining the basic shape and for apples and pears. produce fruit on the encouraging the development of more fruiting spurs. If you are more For More Information: same fruiting spurs adventuresome, you can plant young The University of Florida Cooperative bare-root apple or pear trees early next Extension has published an excellent year after year, spring and train the trees to grow in article with detailed instructions on espalier shapes. training espaliered trees. Find it at: allowing you to easily http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/MG/MG27300 Wire Support System Needed: .pdf maintain the espalier Whether you start with a pre-shaped tree or plan to shape a tree yourself, you’ll For advice on caring for fruit trees, see framework.” need a wire trellis system to support the The California Backyard Orchard at: tree branches. Heavy 14-gauge wire can http://homeorchard.ucanr.edu be attached directly to a fence or wall with eye bolts, or you can erect a free- standing trellis made of pipe or wooden posts.

Photo: Jack Kelly Clark, courtesy of University of California Statewide IPM Program

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