Espalier is a method of training fruit trees so that they grow flat with horizontal tiers against a support, and is a great option for areas or gardens with limited space. Read our step-by-step guide below to learn more.
What's in this guide
Choose a suitable fruit tree
Espalier is only suitable for apple and pear trees. Other fruits, such as plums, cherries and figs, should be fan-trained (see our other guide on How to Fan Train Fruit Trees to learn more).
We recommend choosing a pre-trained espalier fruit tree as this will give you a significant head start—these generally come with 2 tiers. Click here to find out which trees are available as espalier.
You can choose a 1 year old maiden tree, but this will require a lot more time and training.
Either way, make sure your tree is grown on a semi-vigorous rootstock—for apples that’s MM106, and for pears that’s Quince A. We recommend choosing a spur-bearing tree.
Espalier Pre-Trained James Grieve Apple Tree
Espalier Pre-Trained Conference Pear Tree
Choose a suitable location for your tree and straining wires
We recommend a sunny, south or west-facing position for the best results. If you choose to plant against a fence or wall, make sure there is around 20cm of space between the tree and the wall.
Install your straining wires
Attach taut straining wires between firm posts or along a wall or fence, using the appropriate fixings. The first and lowest wire should be approx. 45cm (18”) above ground level, and the subsequent wires approx. 50cm (19.5”) apart.
The number of wires you will need depends on how many tiers you would like your espalier to reach – this normally ranges between 3 and 6.
Plant your fruit tree
Plant your tree in the intended location, making sure to follow our usual tree planting guidelines. Take care not to bank the soil up over the collar or graft union of the tree as this can cause rotting. See our guide on How to Plant Trees to learn more.
Tie in any side shoots and/or prune your leading shoot
Pre-trained espalier trees
If you have a pre-trained espalier tree, simply tie the sideshoots onto the respective wires. If the tree has been supplied with a bamboo framework, this can be removed.
If you would like to add more tiers to your tree, tie the leading shoot to an upright bamboo cane, and cut it back to a bud just above the next wire. This will encourage more side shoots to form.
Untrained maiden trees
If you have a maiden tree, some varieties will have side shoots growing from the main trunk. This is a bonus as it will give you a head start with the training. Tie down two opposite side shoots along the first training wire to produce your first tier. If you have side shoots adjacent to the second wire then tie these down also.
If no side shoots are present on your maiden tree then you can induce them next year. Tie in the leading shoot to an upright bamboo cane and prune it back to a bud just above the first lower wire. Remove all unwanted side shoots by pruning flush with the main trunk.
The following summer
The following summer, tie the leading shoot vertically to your cane and gently tie the next two side shoots at 45 degrees left and right to the main stem. In late summer, gently lower them further to 90 degrees and tie them to your straining wires. All other unwanted side shoots should be removed as previously.
There will be shoot growth at the ends of the established lower tiers which should be tied down to the wire each summer until the final required width of the espalier is reached, when they can be spurred back.
Repeat until the required number of tiers is reached
Each summer, repeat this process of cutting the leading shoot and tying in the side shoots horizontally until the number of required tiers is reached. To keep the tree strong and healthy, we recommend training only one tier per year. Once you’ve reached your required number of tiers, the central leading shoot can be removed, leaving you with your final espalier shape.
Aftercare for established espalier trees
Each August, on established espalier trees, cut back upright growing shoots on the tiers to three buds, or approx. 4cm, to encourage production of fruiting spurs.
