How far apart should espalier branches be?

How far apart should espalier branches be?

The space between each branch is 16 inches. This spacing may look too wide when the plant is young, but it fills in quickly as the tree matures. To divide our driveway from our side garden, we planted a Belgian fence (photo above).

How do you start espalier?

To espalier, prune to create a main vertical stem, then train the side branches to achieve the desired shape. Depending on the plant, this can take a year or two to establish and requires regular care. Thereafter, an espalier requires only light pruning to hold its shape.

How far should espalier be from fence?

Any horizontal wires should be placed about 30 centimetres apart – that’s a good average and means the plant should grow well. Before you buy a deciduous plant as an espalier, make sure you’re happy with the bare winter look before planting.

Can you espalier free-standing?

A free-standing espalier consists of two or more strong, tall, posts in a line, with two or more horizontal wires strung between each set of posts. The trees’ branches are trained along the horizontal wires over the first few years of the trees’ growth.

How wide should espalier be?

Branches on espalier trees can be kept shorter to fit into small spaces or can be allowed to grow to their full width (4-10′ in both directions, depending on root stock).

What is needed to espalier?

You Will Need

1. Garden spade.
2. Organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or garden compost.
3. Sharp grit.
4. Timber posts.
5. Bucket of water.
6. Tape measure.
7. Bare-root espalier fruit trees.
8. Drill.

How tall does espalier grow?

6 to 8 feet tall
A typical espalier is 6 to 8 feet tall, with three to four sets of horizontal branches. Your goal is to keep the tree in bounds. Fruit yields will be proportionately much greater from an espalier than from a full-size tree.

What wire do you use for espalier?

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.

What is a Belgian fence?

A Belgian fence is a lattice-pattern espalier – tree(s) or shrub(s) pruned and trained to grow flat. Often, they’re fruit trees/shrubs, allowing you to create your own little orchard in a small space. Usually, they’re trained on supports against a wall or fence. But a Belgian fence, with time, can be free-standing.

What kind of fence is an espalier made of?

An espalier is a living fence created by training small trees into decorative patterns. Here’s how to create an espalier in your own yard.

How is the best way to build an espalier?

Select an overall pattern for your espalier. (For our example, we selected a diamond pattern.) Build an appropriate framework of posts (8 feet apart), a top rail, and heavy-gauge wire horizontal supports. Stretch wire tautly from post to post, spaced vertically at 1-foot intervals, to create a framework.

Can a Belgian fence be done in a diamond pattern?

So a Belgian fence is just an espalier that is done in a diamond, or criss cross pattern. And it’s actually relatively easy to recreate in your own garden. It’s the perfect way to add vertical visual interest, and in case you have a big blank wall, disguise that, too!

When is the best time to plant espalier trees?

The best time to start an espalier is several weeks before the tree breaks dormancy in late winter or early spring because the plant will have a more vigorous response to the pruning cuts made after planting. The technique can also be done in cooler fall temperatures.