Good Trees to Plant Against a Wall

Espaliers

• The espalier technique is utilized in small gardens to create decorative accents in the landscape or to create the effect of a living sculpture. Espalier is a more formal symmetrical shape with evenly spaced horizontal and vertical branches that create a compact tree. The branches may be trained to outline openings in a wall. The trees are pruned and tied every week through the summer to maintain the shape. A fan is another technique for growing trees against walls that involves pruning the tree with side branches tied to wires or hooks so that the tree grows in a fan shape. Any branches growing away from supports are pruned or shortened to keep the tree compact and fan-shaped.

Fruit Trees

• Almost any plant or tree can be grown against a wall by training it along a flat surface and removing any undesired growth by pruning. Apple and pear tree varieties are often chosen to grow as espaliers. Stone fruit trees, such as peach, nectarine, cherry, apricot, fig and plum trees are chosen for a fan design. The shape of the trees and the compact size make the fruit easy to pick.

Other Trees

• In addition to fruit trees, almost any tree that has flexible lateral branches and appealing foliage or flowers can be grown as an espalier. Evergreen trees, such as holly, juniper and magnolia are suitable choices. Crape myrtle, red bud and Japanese maple trees are other options to choose for their colorful foliage and flowers, although you are left with bare branches in winter months.

Advantages

• Growing trees against a wall is an option in limited space gardens and landscapes. The warmth produced against a sunny, southern facing wall allows gardeners to grow varieties that would normally require a warmer climate. The trees produce fewer fruits than free-growing trees, but the fruits are larger and have more intense flavor from increased natural sugars. Most espaliers bear fruit earlier and for a longer time than free-growing trees. They are easy to prune, harvest and protect from frost or birds due to their compact size.