Trained fruit trees, or espaliers, are becoming a huge hit with home gardeners lately. And honestly, what’s not to love? They produce a ton of fruit without hogging all your yard space. Just a heads-up, though: they do require a bit of extra TLC in the beginning to get them established. One of the most important things to get right from day one is the spacing.
Start with a Solid Planting Plan
When it comes to your orchard, you really don’t want to wing it. Moving a tree later is a massive headache, so it’s best to have a plan before you even pick up a shovel. Take some time to get to know your yard’s layout and soil. You’ll also want to make sure the “rootstock” (the base of the tree) is a good match for your specific planting site.
Row Spacing for Your Espalier
Keep in mind that espalier trees are designed to spread out horizontally in both directions. To give them enough room to breathe, you’ll want to leave at least 6 to 7 feet (about 2 meters) between trees. If you’re going with a U-shaped form, you can get away with a slightly tighter planting distance. It’s always a smart move to ask your local nursery about the rootstock, too—especially if you’re planting against a house wall, as some rootstocks are much more vigorous than others.
Planting Against a Wall
If you’re planting near a wall, don’t snug the tree right up against the siding. You need a little gap for airflow; otherwise, wet leaves won’t dry out, which is a recipe for rot. If you’re looking for something a bit lower-maintenance, consider a fan shape. It’s a bit more forgiving if you miss a pruning session, and you might even find yourself with a bigger harvest!
Getting the Distance to the Trellis Right
Since your trees will be secured to a support system, I recommend leaving about 8 inches (20 cm) between the trellis and the main trunk. Remember, those branches are going to thicken up over the years and will need some “elbow room.” Plus, that extra space ensures plenty of air circulation between the tree and the wall or fence, keeping your fruit trees happy and healthy.