Written by Jessica Damiano
Think again if you’ve always wanted to grow fruit trees but don’t think you have the room. To enjoy fruit from your garden, you don’t even need a big backyard or an orchard.
Use a technique that was refined by Louis XIV’s gardeners at Versailles in the 1600s, when they trained trees to grow flat against walls due to cold, windy winters rather than a lack of room. Although they intended to use the brickwork as an insulator and windbreak, their technique, which they dubbed espalier, also made effective use of a very small footprint.
In addition to maximizing their exposure to sunshine, the trees’ shape allowed them to tolerate colder temperatures more effectively than their untrained cousins. They also, somewhat surprisingly, produced more fruit.
Apple, cherry, fig, peach, pear, plum, quince, and most other trees with long, flexible branches are good candidates for the espalier system. Even ornamental trees like witch hazel, firethorn, and magnolia make excellent choices.
Because the trees rest on their supports, the word espalier, which means something to put a shoulder against, is derived from French.
However, espalier was not invented by the French in the 17th century; it is thought to have been used as early as ancient Egypt and even in the Middle Ages. However, the technique gained notoriety and a name thanks to the Versailles gardeners.
Pruning and patience are equally important when training an espalier tree. By attaching the remaining branches to walls or fencing with wires or frames, you can encourage them to grow sideways while removing unwanted branches until they give in to the process and adjust to the pattern.
Although the intended branches will take longer to grow, trees will continue to produce shape-spoiling sprouts that require constant trimming.
Apply a dose of high-nitrogen fertilizer three times a season in mid-spring, early summer, and late summer to speed up growth (see the package label for a ratio of 12-4-8 or 16-4-8).
It may take several years to reach this stage, so don’t expect flowers or fruit. The fertilizer’s purpose is to make the trees focus more of their energy on growth than on yield.
After the tree reaches the desired size and shape, use a fertilizer made especially for fruit trees and reduce the number of applications to one per year, in the spring, using the dosage specified on the container. Look for a product designed for the species if you are cultivating a non-fruiting tree.
However, since planting a tree against a wall may limit air flow around it, the technique may result in more pest and disease issues. Thus, keep a careful eye on trees and take prompt action to resolve any problems that may come up.
A stunning, living garden sculpture will result from all that care, and you’ll have a fascinating tale to share while you wait for your delicious harvest.
Jessica Damiano publishes the acclaimed Weekly Dirt Newsletter and contributes weekly gardening essays to the AP. For weekly gardening guidance and ideas, you may join up here.
Check out https://apnews.com/hub/gardening for further AP gardening stories.
