If you are looking to add a dramatic touch to your yard but do not have a lot of space, look no further than espalier trees. Espaliering is the technique of pruning and shaping trees (usually fruit trees) into a flat shape. They look incredible, and produce spectacular results with little effort. You could have your own espalier privacy fence, or add the trees to an existing wall or fence for a striking decorative look. According to Backwoods Home Magazine, there are three main types of espaliering:
Horizontal Espaliering- The horizontal method involves nothing more than training the trees to do most of their growing horizontally. Normally this is done using spaced horizontal supports fashioned of wood, wire, or metal.
Palmette Espaliering- This creates a fan shaped tree, as shown in the picture.
Cordon Espaliering- The third technique, cordon espaliering, is also quite dramatically eye catching. My experience with this method comes from seeing the meticulously perfect work of my sister’s fiance. It resembles a fork.
The best part?
Forcing fruit trees to grow more horizontally greatly increases the number of fruiting spurs, while reducing both sucker and leaf growth.