Espalier trees are a fantastic way to bring some structure and “organized beauty” to your backyard. The best part? Since they’re trained to grow flat, everything is within arm’s reach—no shaky ladders required for harvest! Here are some of the most popular trees to grow as espaliers.
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++Quince (Cydonia robusta)
If you’re looking for something a little unique, an espaliered quince is a showstopper. This fruit is famous for its incredible, aromatic scent that fills the air around it. The bright yellow fruit has a lovely shape and offers a nice change of pace from your standard backyard varieties. Growing it as an espalier means you can pick them while standing comfortably on the ground. Quince is perfect for making homemade jelly or adding a special touch to desserts.
++Plum (Prunus domestica subsp)
Plums and Italian prunes are excellent candidates for espalier training. They thrive in slightly sandy soil in a sheltered, sunny spot that gets plenty of summer heat. When grown this way, the columnar plum and similar varieties won’t grow much taller than your shoulder. Once they’re ripe, you can whip up a batch of plum compote or a classic sheet cake. The sweet harvest is just so much easier when the tree is trained low.
++Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Did you know you can even train certain berry varieties onto a trellis or espalier frame? Raspberries are a fan favorite for this. These delicate red berries are easy to pick and pack a punch of sweet flavor. Unlike a wild, messy bramble, an espaliered raspberry stays neat and tidy. This is a great choice if you have kids—most little ones love “foraging” for fresh berries right in their own backyard!
++Pear (Pyrus communis)
Pears are among the most traditional and popular choices for espalier. Gardeners love them for their sweet taste and iconic shape, which looks stunning against a wall or fence. Plus, it’s fun to watch the fruit ripen right at eye level. Make sure to plant your pear tree in a sunny spot; plenty of sunlight helps the fruit develop those natural sugars for that perfect, honey-sweet pear flavor.
++Apple (Malus)
The quintessential backyard fruit, the apple tree, is a top pick for espalier. Every gardener seems to have their own favorite variety! If you end up with a bumper crop, you can use a juicer for fresh cider. One of the best things about apples is their shelf life—if you store them correctly, you can be snacking on your harvest well into the winter months.
++Peach (Prunus persica)
For a taste of summer, you can’t beat a peach. These are becoming increasingly popular as espaliers, especially in warmer regions. You can even grow a small espaliered peach tree in a large container on a patio. Just give it a sunny home and make sure to keep it well-watered during dry spells to ensure those peaches stay juicy.
++Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora “Gallisoniens”)
Espalier isn’t just for fruit! Ornamental trees are joining the trend too, with Magnolias leading the pack. If you choose an evergreen variety, you’ll have beautiful glossy green leaves all year round. During the blooming season, the tree produces stunning, massive flowers. Unlike the giant magnolias you see in parks, an espaliered version stays at a manageable height, making it perfect for smaller suburban gardens.
%%Williams Pear / Bartlett (Pyrus communis “Williams”)
