How Do You Train Espalier Fruit Trees?
Espalier trees are trained to grow on a flat plane, usually against a trellis or fence, instead of three dimensionally. Most plants can be trained in this fashion, but fruit trees such as apple and plum are the most common espalier trees. To train an espalier fruit tree, start with a very young tree and train the branches when they are still new and flexible. Training an espalier tree can take five to seven years, and complex woven patterns will require regular maintenance. Plant your fruit tree along a south or east-facing fence or trellis, in a six- to eight-inch hole. If you want a smaller tree to grow along a short fence, choose a dwarf variety. Gently bend the branches against your flat plane and tie in place with string or pantyhose. For a natural design, train the branches against the fence in the shape they naturally grow, making sure the branches do not overlap when you tie them in place. For complex woven patterns, prune unnecessary growth and position branches in your desire
