How to Build a Tree Espalier

Espalier is the French term for a structure that allows plants to grow in a flattened fashion, either against a wall or in a freestanding configuration. Pronounced “es-pah-lee-ay,” this method of growing trees and other plants allows for closer planting, making it advantageous for smaller garden spaces. Fruit trees are often planted in espaliers — suitable fruits include most citrus, plums, nectarines, crab apples, apples and peaches. Different methods exist for building espaliers; the freestanding type is fairly simple to construct.

Measuring tape
Shovel or post-hole digger
Wheelbarrow
Wooden stakes
Concrete
Heavy-gauge wire
Nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Build your espalier before you plant your trees, but decide what kind of trees you want and how many you want to plant, based on the space you have available.
- 2
  Dig holes 18 inches deep and 4 feet apart, using a post-hole digger or narrow shovel. Transfer the soil to a wheelbarrow so you can use it later in your planting area. Dig as many holes as you need to service the trees you want to plant; you’ll be planting most types of trees about 2 feet apart.
- 3
  Set one 8-foot long, sturdy wooden stake or 2-by-2 board into each hole. Fill the hole with quick-setting concrete, mixed based on the package instructions. Hold each stake in place with one hand while you add the concrete with another, or ask a friend to help.
- 4
  Wait until the concrete is hard, then hammer nails into each stake 12 to 18 inches apart, starting at the top and continuing to about 18 inches above the base of each stake.
- 5
  Attach heavy-gauge wire to your stakes by twisting it around the nails on the stakes in horizontal rows.
- 6
  Plant your trees 6 to 8 inches away from the espalier structure and about 2 feet apart, depending on the adult size of the type of tree you choose to grow.

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