How to Grow Espalier Pear Trees

Espalier fruit trees are specially grown fruit-bearing trees that are grown in small, sometimes crowded areas. Espalier does not refer to the breed of the tree, but to its method of growth. Growers train the tree branches to grow in specific ways by tying branches to trellises, walls or stakes, as well as pruning back unwanted foliage. Within a few years, growers of these types of trees will have healthy, fruit-bearing trees.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Trellis
• Pear Tree
• Shovel
• Potting Soil
• Pruning shears
• Twine or twist ties
• Hammer
• Rubber Mallet
• Level
• Water

Growing an Espalier Pear Tree

1. Pick out your growing spot. Espalier trees are known for being grown in small areas. Most are grown against a wall, a tall fence, or some sort of flat plane such as a well secured trellis.

2. Install your trellis into the ground using a hammer or rubber mallet. Any design or shaped trellis will work for growing an espalier tree. For a free standing trellis, make sure that the base is submerged at least 2 feet into the ground for stability. If your trellis will be supported by a wall, the trellis only needs to be submerged a foot into the soil, or you may secure the trellis to the wall with store bought brackets. If you are growing your tree next to a fence, no special alterations need to be made in regards to the stability of the fence.

3. Use a level to make sure that your trellis is straight, not only vertically, but horizontally as well. Make any alterations with your hammer or mallet if needed.

4. Dig a 6 inch hole 10 inches away from the wall, trellis or fence. You may make the whole bigger depending on the size of the tree's root system.

5. Soak the plant's roots thoroughly and then let them drain in an open area before planting.

6. Place the tree in the hole. Make sure that the roots are not crowded and are able to fan out without any problems. If the hole seems too crowded for the tree roots, adjust the hole size to accommodate the root system.

7. Fill the hole with dirt, making sure that the soil is firmly packed into the hole as you work your way up to the top.

8. Use your foot to pack down the surface soil once the hole is filled.

9. Drench the area surrounding the tree with water.

10. Position the branches into your desired directions. Most espalier tree branches are grown horizontally, although there are some trees whose branches are reshaped to grow vertically as well. Examine the growing environment to decide which growing direction would be most beneficial for the tree.

11. Using twist ties or twine, secure the branches to the trellis or fence as you position them. For vertical branch growth, secure the branches in multiple areas to ensure proper horizontal growth. To grow branches vertically, secure the first two inches of the branch nearest the trunk down horizontally, then gently bend the branch up and secure the remainder of the branch in a vertical direction.

12. Monitor branch growth and prune branches when needed. It is sometimes necessary to prune back one branch to ensure proper growth of other branches. Branches grown too close together can contribute to fungal disease later in the life of the tree.
    When pruning, trim the branch just before a bud union or a leaf scar in a straight direction to encourage new growth.

13. Secure new branches as quickly as possible to ensure proper directional growth.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are growing multiple Espalier trees in the same area, make sure to plant trees at least 8 feet apart from each other. Also, remember that simple pruning should be done during the growing season. For major pruning, wait for the winter season and trim away dead and unwanted branches. Your fruit tree will respond more positively to major pruning in winter as opposed to during its growing season.
• Use extreme caution when using pruning shears. They are extremely sharp and can cause damage if not used properly.

References

• Espalier Fruit Trees: How to...
• Espalier Pear Tree Losing Fruit
• Small-lot orchard

Resources

• BBC-Gardening