How to Espalier
Espalier, the art of training a tree or shrub against a wall, is one way to enhance a courtyard wall or other exterior surface.
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Introduction
Espalier is the term used to describe the process of training trees, shrubs, and woody vines against a flat surface, such as a wall. You can also train them to a freestanding fence or trellis.
To espalier, prune to create a main vertical stem, then train the side branches to achieve the desired shape. Depending on the plant, this can take a year or two to establish and requires regular care. Thereafter, an espalier requires only light pruning to hold its shape.
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I agree, Try the library for Readers' Digest Gardening. It is very specific and has sketches of how to prune for fruiting.
11/16/2009 02:47:04 PM Report AbuseI like the article on espaliered fruit trees, but it did not go far enough. I have a pear and an apple espaliered, but they do not bear much fruit. I may be cutting off the bearing stems, but I don't know what they look like. Could you do another article and take it to the next step showing us how to prune for best fruit production and what a water spout looks like and what a good shoot looks like and what a non-fruiting shoot looks like? Tell us when is the best time to do the pruning.
11/15/2009 02:11:45 PM Report Abuse