frequently asked questions.

Can a novice grow an espalier, or does one need to be an experienced gardener to succesfully maintain one?

Espalier is easier than it looks, although the more knowledge you have, the more comfortable you will be with your espaliers. The informal shape, where all growth is trained flat against a wall or trellis, is easiest for a novice to maintain. The more complicated formal designs take a bit more work. (See Popular Designs for more information on the various shapes of espalier.) We offer lots of help in the forms of garden consultations and annual pruning demonstrations, as well as a host of recommended readings (see Other Resources).

Do I need more than one tree for pollination, or can I just plant one espalier?

Some trees are self-fruitful, and need only themselves to produce fruit (this category includes some apples, some pears, some asian pears, figs and persimmons), while many varieties of apples and pears do need another variety for cross-pollination. See Cultivation for further discussion of pollination issues.

What kind of space do I need to grow an espalier?

An espalier can be grown along a fence, wall or building, or can be free-standing in a garden against its own structure. The minimal amount of space that is needed for a two-dimensional espalier is 6 feet by 6 feet. Some fruits are better grown in smaller spaces, while others flourish on larger walls or fences. A dwarf apple or pear can be kept in a 6' by 6' space, whereas a more vigorous fig or persimmon, not available on a dwarf rootstock, should be in a larger space. See Cultivation or the Current Inventory List for more information on rootstocks.

How do I determine whether I can grow an espalier in a specific location?

First, determine how much sun the site gets, as fruit trees require full sun (meaning 6-8 hours of sun daily, in the spring and summer). Ideally, most trees like a lot of air circulation, except for figs, which thrive in the hottest of conditions.