How to Espalier Fruit Trees for the Best Harvest in Small Spaces, According to Arborists

If you’re looking for a creative way to grow citrus and other fruit trees, then you may have come across the phrase “espalier." The ancient method is a unique way for both home gardeners and pros to grow certain edible trees and involves intense pruning and training. The end result is a combination of form and function, offering both visual appeal and a way to plant larger trees in smaller spaces. Here, we spoke with experts about the tried-and-true approach, from its long history to how you can implement it today.

What Is Espalier?

The espalier method is a creative way to grow fruit trees, which combines functionality with a touch of elegance. “It's a specialty pruning and training technique used to grow trees and wood plants in a single plane—like flat against a wall or a fence,” says Eric North, program manager of urban forestry at the Arbor Day Foundation. Training consists of gently bending a branch in order to force it to change its direction. Once the branch starts to stiffen with age, it will permanently hold the new shape.

While the word espalier is French, North says that the practice most likely originated with the ancient Romans. Europeans widely adopted it in the Middle Ages as a decorative art form, as well as a practical method for growing fruit trees in small courtyards.

Benefits

“Espalier develops a structure that allows easy access to fruit,” says North. “Also, the tree can easily fit along fences or building walls." The visual appeal of this method also sets it apart. “It's just plain beautiful," he says. "Tree ‘artists’ have used the technique to create amazing, living works of art—from latticework branch patterns to more traditional, horizontal branching in a ‘ladder’ shape."

That being said, the process won't be quick or easy. “It's not a one-and-done technique,” he says, adding that it can take several years to get a good structure set up. “Once a tree has matured enough, there's still annual pruning and maintenance—but the amount does reduce with time.”         

How to Espalier

For a traditional espalier in a single horizontal plane, North recommends starting with a young tree that has many thin, flexible branches, as well as a relatively straight central trunk.

Structure and Shape

“Create a physical structure, like a fence, with taut metal wire stretched between the posts,” says North. “The horizontal wires should be spaced about 8 to 10 inches apart.” The structure can be temporary and will be used to tie, train, and support the branches—although some support will likely need to be permanent.

You’ll also need to reduce the tree's height by pruning the central trunk. Cut it back to just above a lateral branch that's at the desired maximum height. North typically keeps the tree between 4 and 5 feet tall to make maintenance easier.

Secure the Branches

Next, you’ll need to select branches that are about 8 to 10 inches apart along the main trunk—these should all be on one plane so that the trunk has perpendicular branches on both the left and right sides. “Carefully bend the branches to be approximately horizontal, parallel, and level with the taut support wires,” he continues. “I typically bend a little, release, then bend a little more until the branch is as close to the wire as I can get it.” 

After that, you’ll need to loosely tie the branches to the support wire, a process he says might take several ties, depending on branch length. “The tie should be tight enough to hold the branch in place, but loose enough to allow the branch to grow in diameter throughout the growing season,” he says. "You'll also need to check, adjust, and possibly retie the branches throughout each growing season to prevent the ties from girdling them."

Prune

After you have a basic idea of the structure, you’ll need to prune any vertical branches that are coming off of the horizontal one tied to the support. “You'll also need to prune branch ends to have a uniform length,” North says, though the exact length will depend on the amount of space you have. “The longer the horizontal branches, the more support they'll need long-term. I typically have branches around 3 to 4 feet long from the main trunk.”

Maintain

After that's done, you’ll need to do some continuous maintenance to keep the tree looking its best. “I recommend rabbit or critter-proof fencing along the trunk and longer branches,” says North, adding that he’s lost trees and branches to hungry winter rabbits. “You’ll need to check any fencing annually to make sure it’s not interfering with tree growth.”

Additionally, you'll need to keep an eye on the ties—and don't forget to prune vertical branches and reduce branch and trunk length. This will help keep the tree the desired size every year. “Branches will thicken and harden," says North. "Some of the support structures can then be removed.”

Best Fruit Trees for Espalier

While most any tree or woody plant can espaliered, the technique is most often used with fruit trees. “I’ve used espalier with plums, apples, pears, and mulberries," says North. Citrus trees work well with this method too. “Meyer lemon trees are especially popular for espalier, adapting beautifully to shaping while producing fragrant fruit,” says Danny Trejo, founder of Via Citrus. “For a smaller footprint, Satsuma mandarins are compact, hardy, and ideal for limited spaces.”

Common Mistakes

Espalier has been refined for centuries, but it can be easy to make mistakes regardless. “Over-pruning can harm young citrus trees," says Trejo. "Limit your cutting to no more than 30 percent of new growth at a time." Try not to prune too much during the winter either, as going overboard can leave trees vulnerable to cold stress.

Additionally, when attaching your trees to the support system, make sure to only use soft, flexible ties. This will help you guide branches without damaging the bark.  "Also, invest in a sturdy support structure," says Trejo. "Skimping here can lead to instability as the tree matures."

Finally, adequate sunlight is crucial for healthy fruit production. So before you begin your espalier, make sure the trees are somewhere where they’ll receive six to eight hours of direct sun every day. "It can be a trial-and-error technique," says North. "Try not to get frustrated—some of my mistakes have created interesting tree sculptures."