Espalier is the art, or process, of controlling plant growth in a flat plane, usually against a wall, or fence, or trellis. It is the process of training through pruning and tying to create a two-dimensional plant.

Espalier dates to the early Romans and was developed in Europe in the 16th century as a practical way to increase fruit production. Today espalier remains very popular in Europe and is gaining popularity in the US.

The technique of espalier is a great way to use larger trees and shrubs in smaller gardens and narrow spaces. Ideal locations are courtyards, patios, and narrow beds between walks and walls. In areas where homes are closer together and often with windows facing a fence or wall, an espalier is the perfect solution to improve a less-than-attractive view. Espalier also comes in handy when you need to screen a view or hide utilities but there isn’t enough area for shrubs to grow to their normal width.

What types of trees and shrubs work best for espalier?

Nearly all trees and large shrubs are candidates, but the best choices are ones that have long, flexible branches.

Fruit trees are a great choice and easy to train because of their soft wooded branches. Pear, apple, peach, and cherry trees are great choices.

Espalier techniques used to incorporate Golden Deodar Cedar and Blue Atlas Cedar into a narrow space between a walk and a wall.

Pyracantha, commonly known as firethorn, is a large shrub that doesn’t get much attention in our smaller landscapes. . But with a mature size of 8-10’ tall and 6-8’ wide, it is most commonly used as barrier hedge in larger landscapes.

The attraction of pyracantha is the abundance of red to orange berries it produces during the fall and through winter. With a showy fall to winter appearance, it really deserves more attention and is a perfect selection for an espalier.

Other great choices for an espalier are yaupon holly, rose of sharon, magnolia, and hydrangea. But, don’t limit your imagination, most any plant can be grown as an espalier.

Pyracantha adds interest with white flower clusters in the spring and orange to red berries in the fall.

Prune the plant’s central leader 2” above the first tier of the design. As new buds appear select a new central leader and buds that are facing the direction of your wire. As the new buds grow into branches tie them into place while they are young, soft, and easy to manipulate. During the growing season make minor prunes monthly to maintain the design. The best time to make major prunes to the espalier is in late winter to early spring. Remove ties as the branches grow and mature.

The only negative to an espalier is they are not suitable to the low maintenance landscape. They do require frequent attention and care to maintain the design.

Espalier is the perfect way to enjoy a fruit tree in a smaller landscape.

This pyracantha was planted this wall for the purpose creating an espalier on the fence. Over the winter wire will be installed on the fence. Next spring training and pruning will be used to develop the design.

Pear tree. Europe developed the practice of espalier fruit trees as a practical way to increase fruit production in the 16th century.

How do you create an espalier?

Once you have chosen your plant and your location, you need to decide the pattern. A few common designs are the candelabra, horizontal cordon, fan and Belgian fence. Again, imagination is a good thing. Any pattern you can imagine is good.

Use eye hooks, wire and turn buckles to create the pattern.

Plant the tree or shrub approximately 6-8” away from the structure. Remember, most plants desire well drained, organic soil.

Let your imagination run. There is no limit to espalier designs.

Even shade trees, such as this ginkgo, can be used as an espalier to create a focal point.

As you evaluate your landscape this fall and winter, if you have a narrow space, a fence you want to soften, or something you want to screen, consider a favorite large shrub or tree in the form of an espalier.

Espalier is a good way to add decorative accents to the landscape. When well done, espaliers become focal points of living sculpture adding a structural elegance to an otherwise drab garden location.

Lorne Hall

Hall | Stewart Lawn + Landscape

(405)367-3873