Plums are one of those fruit varieties that are just practically begging to be grown on a trellis. And let’s be honest: when it comes to flavor, nothing beats a homegrown plum or prune. The stuff you find at the grocery store rarely measures up to that sun-ripened, backyard taste!
The Perfect Spot
A trellis-trained plum tree thrives against a sunny wall, the side of your house, or a fence facing south or west. You can even grow them as a fruiting hedge. Just make sure to keep a 3-foot radius around the base of the tree free of grass, and ensure the soil has good drainage. To keep your tree happy and productive, work some of your own garden compost or a good fertilizer into the soil every spring.
Why You’ll Love Espalier Fruit Trees
While training an espalier tree does take a bit more elbow grease, growing your own is totally worth the effort. The secret to success is staying on top of regular pruning. Here’s why it’s awesome:
- Espalier trees produce impressively high yields.
- You can often start harvesting your first fruits as early as the second year.
- No ladder required! You can pick your fruit at a comfortable standing height.
- You can use the trellis form as a beautiful privacy screen or hedge.
- A low-growing trellis makes for a charming garden path border.
- It’s a huge space-saver, making it perfect for small suburban backyards.
- You can even grow a plum tree on a trellis in a large pot on your balcony or patio.
When to Get Planting
The best time to get your tree in the ground is autumn, especially if you’re buying bare-root trees. While container-grown plants can technically go in year-round, fall is still your best bet because roots can dry out so quickly in the summer heat. Planting in the fall allows the tree to establish new roots quickly so it can hit the ground running in the spring. Early spring planting is also a great option. When you plant, make sure you have your support system ready so you can secure the branches with flexible garden ties. And don’t worry—you can easily build the trellis yourself!