How to grow fruit trees in small spaces with the method known as espalier

"Instead, use a method perfected by Louis XIV's gardeners back in the 1600s at Versailles, when cold, windy winters, not a lack of space, inspired them to train trees to grow flat against walls. Their goal was to use the masonry as a windbreak and insulator, but the method they called espalier also made excellent use of a tiny footprint. The trees' form maximized their exposure to sunlight."

"Which trees are good for espalier? Most trees with long, flexible branches, such as apple, cherry, fig, peach, pear, plum and quince lend themselves nicely to the espalier method. Even ornamental trees like magnolia, firethorn and witch hazel are good candidates. The name espalier comes from French, indicating something to lean a shoulder against, as the trees lean on their supports. But the 17th century French didn't invent espalier; it is believed to have been practiced in the Middle Ages."

Espalier trains trees to grow flat against walls or supports, saving space while using masonry as a windbreak and insulator. Many fruit trees with long flexible branches—apple, cherry, fig, peach, pear, plum and quince—adapt well, as do some ornamentals such as magnolia, firethorn and witch hazel. Training requires regular pruning and guiding branches sideways with wires or frames until they conform to the desired pattern. Trees will produce unwanted shoots that must be clipped while main branches establish. Applying high-nitrogen fertilizer (12-4-8 or 16-4-8) three times per season accelerates growth. Flowers and fruit should not be expected during the training stage.

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