Tips to Prune and Train Espalier Fruit Trees
It's fun to grow healthy homegrown fruit on a sturdy trellis. The ancient technique called Espalier allows for a full harvest in a small space planting.
Espalier is now being done on Apples, Apricots, Citrus, Cherries, Figs, Nectarines Pears, Peaches, Persimmons, Pomegranate and Plums. There are few varieties of fruit that cannot be trained to grow flat. Citrus is ideal for espalier.
Watch as our High Density Backyard Orchard Culture Expert, Ed Laivo, walks you through the steps to prune and train a young pear tree growing as an espalier on a sturdy trellis.
You'll learn how far to trim back, how to tie down limbs to direct growth. You'll also see what kind of tools are required to create a "high density planting" espalier.
Benefits include the fact that you can grow several varieties of fruit trees together as a single espalier. You'll love extending your harvest season and ensuring cross-pollination.
Yes, you can grow effective espaliered fruit trees in an urban agriculture paradise or on a small, productive suburban homestead. Enjoy!
