Tips and Hacks in Creating the Best Espalier System for Your Landscaping

03 December 2021

What is espalier? It is any tree or shrub pruned and formed against a wall. Espalier has been an architectural element in the garden, yet many are not aware of its existence. Espalier is the practice of growing a tree or shrub against a wall or other flat surface. It is the art of pruning and training trees and shrubs against a wall or trellis to form symmetrical and flat geometric shapes. Below are the steps on how to decorate your garden with espalier.

Incorporate Indoor Living Area with Outdoor Garden

It is a continuing trend among homeowners to incorporate the indoor living area with the outside garden. That is why espalier is one of the best ways to do so. Espaliered shrubs are particularly effective and decorative against a blank wall. Espaliered plants can also change a plain stucco or brick wall into a vital focal point in the garden. An espaliered tree can be used in a tight space because it does not need much room as it is spread lateral rather than canopy-like. This would make espalier an especially effective gardening technique to use in a courtyard or small walled-in garden.

Experiment with a Row of Espaliered Trees or Shrubs

Narrow, enclosed driveways are also good spaces to experiment with a row of espaliered trees or shrubs. It becomes much more interesting than just planting a monotonous row of shrubbery. Choosing the right plant to espalier in the right space is the key to a successful application. There is no better way to decorate a plain wall.

Direct the Growth Along a Flat Plane and Remove Outward Growth

Almost any plant can be trained by espalier. The gardener must continually direct the growth of the tree or shrub along a flat plane and remove any outward growth. It sounds time-consuming — and it is — but the results are worth the effort. Here is a list of trees and shrubs that are well-suited to our climate in the Midlands and are conducive to the espalier pruning and training technique.

Prune Properly

You must dig a deep and wide hole and fill it with water. Then remove the plant from its pot and install it into the draining hole at the same level it was growing in the pot. Refill the remaining area with the soil and organic matter. After that, carefully bend the branches into the desired positions and secure them into place with plastic covered wire, gardening tape or twine.

Remove all unwanted lateral branches and any branches growing forward. If there is no formal design, the branches may be tied in their natural positions on the trellis or framework. You need to make sure that no branches cross. Continue pruning during the growing season to remove any unwanted lateral or forward growing branches. Continue to secure the new growth to the trellis or framework.

Have EB Landscaping decorate your garden with espalier. We are known to operate ethically, professionally and efficiently to make good on our clients’ dream gardens.

Optimized by: Andrew Ross Technologies