Haus and Home: Intro to Espalier

October 6, 2015

Intro to Espalier

Espalier is French but is derived from the Italian word for "support", "or rest shoulder against". Espalier is art of pruning and training trees or shrubs usually flat against a wall or trellis to form symmetrical and flat geometric shapes.

Espalier dates back to 1600's in France when fruit trees were getting killed by the frost so farmers decided to plant the trees next to walls. Then space became limited as the trees spread out, so the farmers decided to cut back the trees and realized this "pruning" caused the trees to bear even more fruit the next season.

Assorted espalier patterns that exist from Attic Mag

Famed landscape architect here in Atlanta is John Howard of Howard & Associates who designs the most classic yet opulent outdoor living spaces and gardens. Ironically, a few of his projects featured beautiful espalier designs among other beautiful landscape detail.

Howard Design Studio

Other Beautful Espalier Designs

Blooming espalier from This Old House

Smaller patio using the horizontal espalier design from BHG

Can you believe this magnolia tree is being grown so flat and narrow in the fan pattern of espalier from Barbara Berry's Beyond Beauty book featured on The Style Saloniste. I think this photo truly shows the art of espalier "to train a tree to grow flat against a wall".

Pattern Designs

Vines such as ivy or wisteria may be used, or flowering camellias, pyracantha, jasmine, and flowering quince are other good choices for design patterns against a wall.

Camelia branches create a criss cross design from This Old House

Beautiful belgian fence design on the front of the house from Deborah Silver

Here is an example using ivy in the belgian fence design from BHG

Fruit Bearing Trees

Fruit bearing trees, typically apples and pears, can be grown against walls and this practice allows for typically larger sized trees to be grown in smaller, more compact spaces. Heat generated from the walls help the fruits riped more quickly. The fruit bearing trees provide beautiful blooms in the spring, and vibrant foliage and fruits in the fall. See some of the various patterns patterns below.

I had not seen a citrus espalier yet from Ian Barker Gardens

Circular pear tree espalier at Museum Garden Gaasbeek, Belgium from Avantgardens

2 tier candalabra espalier (Pear tree) from renowned grower, River Road Farms in TN.

Close up of the actual tree bearing fruit

Ready to try your own, but dont want the daunting task of starting from scratch? There are reputable espalier growers who specialize in the "Trees in Training". Most notably, is Peter Thevenot of River Road Farms has estate grade pieces and whose work has been featured at George Washington's Mount Vernon, The Atlanta Botanical Garden, Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, The Denver Botanical Garden, and The Morton Arboretum in Chicago to name a few.

Ready to try your own? With a little patience and a few years, you can get your own espalier. Check out these instructions featured on P Allen Smith from Peter Thevenot at River Road Farms.

George Washington's Mount Vernon Espalier's