Espalier Fruit Plantings for Northern Gardens: Creating Fruit Trees As Art

Espalier is the practice of pruning and tying branches to a frame or trellis, in formal or informal patterns, flat against a structure such as a wall, fence, or trellis. It is an ancient art that allows the skilled gardener to train shoots in various designs and angular patterns often creating symmetry and artistic value while concurrently providing fruit for the table. In espalier, a design is developed which provides a roadmap for branch growth, development, and training. The gardener then actively directs growth to adhere to a selected or created design. Fruit production is not as important as the visual creation. The intrinsic value of espalier is that designs are an expression of artistic creativity and skill in gardening. Drs. Perry and Getter provide experienced gardeners with the information needed to successfully create an espalier planting. Learn about espalier and tree fruit terminology, species selection and fruiting requirements, site establishment and preparation, proper planting and care practices, training, management, and pruning. Appendix added to provide supportive and alternative images. Royalties generated by book sales are contributed by authors to MSU Horticulture Gardens. Read more