How to Prune Dwarf Espalier Apple Trees

Espalier apple trees are more productive.

An espalier is a fruit tree or bush trained to develop flat against a trellis, wall or fence. The idea originated in Europe in the 17th century as a way of growing fruits in small spaces. Although dwarf apple trees are excellent candidates for the technique, in general, not all are good options. Avoid espaliering trees that produce fruit on the tips of their stems, such as Granny Smith and Rome Beauty. Start in the dormant season with an apple sapling without lateral branches.

Things You'll Need

• Eye screws
• 12-gauge galvanized wire
• Trellis, as needed
• Shears or saw
• String

Instructions

1. Provide a support for your dwarf apple tree. If you planted it in front of a wall or fence, screw eye-screws into the structure. Run a piece of 12-gauge galvanized wire through the eyes and wrap their ends around the screw's loop to secure them. Make three parallel rows of wire 18 inches apart. Place the lowest wire at the same level as the lowest bud on the tree. Install a trellis if there isn't a permanent structure next to the tree. Plant the tree 6 to 8 inches from whichever structure you're using to allow for air circulation.

2. Cut the top of the tree 1/4 inch above the lowest bud on the trunk with gardening shears or a saw as required.

3. Tie the lateral shoots to the wire as they develop from the bud you retained. Fasten the lowest set of branches to the lowest wire, bending the twigs down while they are still green and pliable. Train one stem to grow along the wire on the left and the other on the right side. As the trunk grows to the next wire, cut its top 1/4 inch from the bud closest to the second support. When a set of lateral branches develops, tie them to the wire as you did with the lowest branches. Repeat the heading of the tree and the tying of stems to get a third set of espalier branches.

4. Trim the branch tips regularly to maintain the tree within the width you want. Cut the top of the tree to keep it around 6 feet tall with three sets of lateral branches.

References

• "Sunset Magazine": Espalier--Training Fruit Trees; February 1988
• Oregon State University Extension; Training and Pruning Your Home Orchard; R.L. Stebbins; November 2007
• Chicago Botanic Garden: Gardening Tips & Techniques