Quick Overview

Espalier apple trees are a beautiful and space - saving way togrow fruitin your garden . By training the leg of the tree to grow flat against a wall or fence , you could make a living work of artistry that willproduce yummy fruitfor yr to come . If you ’re thinking about planting anespalier apple tree , here ’s everything you need to know .

Choosing the Right Variety

Not allapple varietiesare suitable for espalier . Choose a variety that is vigorous and has anaturally vertical growth substance abuse . Some good choices admit :

Preparing the Site

The best time to plant anespalier apple treeis in the spring or crepuscule . Choose a situation thatreceives full sunand has well - drained dirt . Before planting , dig a hole that is twice as wide as theroot ballof the tree and just as deep . Amend the soil with compost or manure toimprove drainageand fertility .

Planting the Tree

Place the tree in the hole and backfill with stain , pack down gently to remove anyair pockets . Water thetree deeplyand mulch around the base with organic affair .

Training the Branches

Once the tree is planted , it ’s time tostart trainingthe branches . The destination is to create a flat , fan - shaped anatomical structure with thebranches evenly spacedalong the wall or fence . To do this , you ’ll want to prune thebranches on a regular basis . In the first twelvemonth , prune thebranches backto about 6 inches from themain trunk . In subsequent years , prune the branches back to about 12 inches from the principal trunk . As thebranches grow , you ’ll want to tie them to the paries or fence using wire or twine . Make certain to keep thebranches evenly spacedand to avoid overcrowding .

Pruning and Maintenance

Once the tree is establish , it will needregular pruningand maintenance to keep it sizable and fat . Prune the tree in thelate winteror early springtime , before thebuds beginto swell . Remove any beat , morbid , orcrossing branches . You should also prune any arm that are grow too smartly or that are not in railway line with the trust shape of the tree . Fertilize the tree in the spring and return with abalanced fertilizer . Water thetree regularly , especially during hot , ironical atmospheric condition .

Harvesting

Espalier orchard apple tree trees typically start to bear fruit within 3 - 5 age of planting . When the fruit is ripe , it will be adeep red colorand will easily come off the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree when yougently twistit . Harvest the fruit and store it in a cool , dark place . Espalier orchard apple tree will keep for several months .

Troubleshooting

Here are somecommon problemsthat you may play when growing espalier Malus pumila trees :

Summary

Planting and training anespalier apple treeis arewarding experience . With a minuscule care and attention , you could produce a beautiful andproductive living workof art that will provide you with delicious fruit for twelvemonth to get along .

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q : How often should I water my espalier apple tree?A : water system thetree regularly , especially during hot , dry weather . The amount of piss you need to give the tree diagram will look on the size of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and the atmospheric condition conditions . Q : How often should I fertilize my espalier Malus pumila tree?A : Fertilize the tree in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer . Q : How long will it take for myespalier apple treeto bear fruit?A : Espalier apple trees typically begintobear fruitwithin 3 - 5 years of planting .