Coat That Unsightly Wall With Fruity Foliage
Fruit trees are exceptional additions to the garden, offering plenty of beauty, shade, and of course mouth-watering sweet treats.
Thankfully, there are so many varieties of fruit trees out there, many of which can be grown in different ways, from the patio-perfect ‘Peach Amber’, which thrives in a pot, to the ever-so tasty ‘Conference’ Pear tree, which stretches up to 8m tall in full maturity.
One unique method of growing and pruning a fruit tree is as an espalier. Bringing a touch of elegance, with plenty of productivity, to the garden, these specially trained trees are grown flat against a wall or fence, boasting multiple tiers of horizontal branches.
Mix up your garden display with this architectural look, while still producing plenty of fruit. Fancy trying this yourself? Here is how to grow an espalier fruit tree.
Choosing Your Fruit Tree
The first hurdle to overcome is deciding the fruit tree you would like to grow, with apples, pears, plums, and cherries all more than suitable.
If growing as a single variety, keep in mind which trees are self-fertile, so won’t need other nearby trees to pollinate and therefore grow fruit.
The ‘Pink Delicious’ Apple Tree instantly pops into our mind, and with so much charm, it is sure to become your favourite as well! The pink-fleshed, remarkably sweet fruits look excellent when trained against a wall – certainly something unique!
Pear ‘Little Red William’ is one of the most popular pear varieties grown in the UK, and for good reason. It is partially self-fertile, so reliably produces good-sized fruit crops.
For those looking for fruits outside of the box, then both ‘Victoria’ Plum Tree and ‘Stella’ Cherry Tree are top notches choices.
For best performance and ease of training, opt for a younger fruit tree, just a year or so old, with a single, straight stem.
Get Your Garden Ready
One of the most important aspects to consider is the amount of sun the fresh plant can bask in through the day. Ideally plant in a sunny spot, against a south-facing wall or fence, where the tree will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.
This should be in well-drained soil and in a position that is sheltered from strong winds.
Consistent pruning is key for maintaining a desired shape and encourage extra fruiting.
Create a sturdy support structure for your tree to grow against, as this is what gives your tree the unique espalier look.
If growing against a wall, make sure it is sturdy and strong enough to support the weight of the tree, once mature. Freestanding walls could even be supported with the addition of wooden posts or metal supports.
Galvanised wires can also be used and are preferred by many gardeners, as they are strong and resistant to all manner of weather conditions. Space wires roughly 40cm apart, with the first wire around 40cm from the ground.
Growing Your Espalier
Plant your fruit tree just a few inches away from the wall or support structure you have set up.
During the first winter, prune the main stem just above the first wire or support piece to encourage side-shoots to grow. Tie the remaining stems to the vertical support for them to follow.
Through the summer growing season, prune any new shoots that grow upwards or outwards from the frame. Ideally, aim to leave three or four leaves on each remaining shoot, as this will promote fruiting.
Prune back the main central leader in winter to stimulate further growth on side shoots. This will help to form the next tier of horizontal branches, and so on, offering you an exciting display to show off in little time!
Top Tips to Remember!
- Provide your tree with a balanced fertiliser, preferably a fruit tree-specific feed, during the growing season
- Young trees benefit from protection from harsh winter elements. Wrap the stem in bubble wrap
