Espaliers Techniques

Basic Care and Pruning Techniques

• Most espaliers require some sort of support framework or trellis. The framework should reflect the planned pattern, as the tree or shrub is generally tied to the framework. Plant the specimen 6 to 8 inches in front of the wall or framework in well-drained soil. The amount of sunlight needed and water requirements vary depending on the species used. Pruning and tying the espalier is key for formal plantings. Perform heavy, annual prunings when it best-suits the individual specimen. Use plant ties to attach the specimen to the framework, and reserve stray branches that grow outward from the flat surface or protrude outside the pattern.

Cordon

• The cordon training technique, which encompasses patterns, essentially involves training a tree to grow as a single stem. This can include a single vertical stem with severely shortened branches, a pattern perhaps most suitable for a space against a chimney. The oblique cordon involves a single, diagonal stem. A more commonly used cordoning technique is the tiered cordon, also known as the horizontal T. With this pattern, the tree is trained to have a single vertical stem with sets of long, lateral branches.

Palmette

• According to the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the most popular formal espalier pattern is the palmette verrier. Like a tiered cordon, the palmette consists of a single vertical stem. However, the lateral branches, after extending a short distance from the stem, are bent upward. With an oblique palmette technique, the lateral branches are trained at an angle less than 90 degrees.

U-Shape

• U-shaped espaliers have a single vertical stem, like the cordon, but the plant's lateral branches are trained to grow vertically. Possible patterns include the single-U, double-U and triple-U, which is sometimes also known as the candelabra.

Fence Patterns

• Formal fence patterns include the Belgian fence, the losange pattern and a pattern created using the arcure method. The Belgian fence espalier technique creates a complex lattice pattern using at least three horizontal cordons with their branches trained to 45-degree angles in order to form broad, overlapping V's. The losange, a variation of Belgian fence, calls for the development of small side branches to allow for greater density. An espalier fence created using the arcure technique incorporates trees or shrubs planted every three feet and bent over to form half circles. New shoots develop on the top of the curve and are then bent over to the left. This pattern is repeated until the desired fence height is reached.