What To Know
- If you have a small garden or want to grow apples in a more compact way, you can try growing them espalier.
- Espalier is a French word that means “to train a tree against a wall.
- Plant the tree in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Apple trees are a popular choice for home gardeners, but they can take up a lot of space. If you have a small garden or want to grow apples in a more compact way, you can try growing them espalier. Espalier is a training method that involves growing trees flat against a wall or trellis. This not only saves space but also makes it easier to care for and harvest your apples.
What is Espalier?
Espalier is a French word that means “to train a tree against a wall.” Espaliered trees are grown in a two-dimensional plane, with their branches trained to grow horizontally along a support structure. This creates a beautiful and productive fruit tree that is easy to maintain.
Why Grow Apple Trees Espalier?
There are many reasons why you might want to grow apple trees espalier. Some of the benefits include:
- Space saving: Espaliered trees take up much less space than traditional trees, making them ideal for small gardens or patios.
- Easier to care for: Espaliered trees are easier to prune, spray, and harvest than traditional trees.
- More productive: Espaliered trees can produce more fruit than traditional trees because they receive more sunlight and air circulation.
- Beautiful: Espaliered trees are beautiful and can add a unique touch to your garden.
How to Grow Apple Trees Espalier
Growing apple trees espalier is not difficult, but it does require some patience and care. Here are the steps involved:
1. Choose a suitable location: Espaliered trees need full sun and well-drained soil. The support structure should be strong enough to support the weight of the tree as it grows.
2. Prepare the soil: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Choose a rootstock: The rootstock you choose will determine the size and vigor of your tree. Dwarf rootstocks are ideal for espaliered trees.
4. Plant the tree: Plant the tree in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
5. Train the branches: As the tree grows, you will need to train the branches to grow horizontally along the support structure. This can be done using ties, wires, or hooks.
6. Prune the tree: Prune the tree regularly to keep it in shape and to encourage new growth.
7. Water and fertilize the tree: Water the tree regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Fertilize the tree in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.
Tips for Growing Apple Trees Espalier
Here are a few tips for growing apple trees espalier:
- Choose a variety of apple that is suitable for espalier. Some varieties are more vigorous than others and may not be suitable for this training method.
- Start with a young tree. Young trees are more flexible and easier to train than older trees.
- Be patient. It takes time to train an espaliered tree. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect right away.
- Enjoy the fruits of your labor! Espaliered apple trees can produce delicious fruit for many years.
Troubleshooting Espaliered Apple Trees
If you are having problems with your espaliered apple tree, here are a few things to check:
- Is the tree getting enough sunlight? Espaliered trees need full sun to produce fruit.
- Is the soil well-drained? Espaliered trees need well-drained soil to avoid root rot.
- Is the tree being pruned properly? Espaliered trees need to be pruned regularly to keep them in shape and to encourage new growth.
- Is the tree being watered and fertilized properly? Espaliered trees need to be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. They also need to be fertilized in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting Espaliered Apples
Espaliered apples are ready to harvest when they are fully ripe. The color of the apple will vary depending on the variety, but it should be deep red, yellow, or green. The apples should also be firm and slightly soft to the touch.
To harvest espaliered apples, simply pick them off the tree. Be careful not to damage the branches. You can store espaliered apples in a cool, dark place for up to two months.
Wrapping Up
Espalier is a beautiful and productive way to grow apple trees in a limited space. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy delicious apples from your own backyard for many years to come.
FAQ
Q: What is the best time to plant an espaliered apple tree?
A: The best time to plant an espaliered apple tree is in the spring or fall.
Q: How often should I water my espaliered apple tree?
A: Water your espaliered apple tree regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. The amount of water you need to give your tree will depend on the weather and the soil conditions.
Q: How often should I fertilize my espaliered apple tree?
A: Fertilize your espaliered apple tree in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.
