The question of how far apart to plant espalier fruit tree usually arise during the hot season.
Is it as close as 1 foot or as far apart as 3 meters?
The answer depends on the climate and the desired amount of sunlight.
The shortest distance is 1 foot, while the maximum distance is 3 meters.
I also planted my trees close to each other so they can receive the same amount of sunlight.
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Plant Espalier fruit trees as little as 1 foot apart
For small gardens or balconies, it is easy to create a charming setting with an espalier tree.
These plants can be planted against walls or overhangs, and they don’t need much space to grow.
You can train them to grow on a trellis or wire structure, or simply train them against the wall. In both cases, it’s important to leave enough space between them to avoid root damage.
As a general rule, a well-balanced plant is best for espalier growing. When choosing a tree for an espalier, you can choose between formal checker-board patterns and more informal natural growth spreads.
The easier the design, the less maintenance you’ll need to do. The trees may require pruning and occasional tying of new shoots to the wall.
The distance between individual espalier branches should be no more than 16 inches apart. While they may appear too wide when young, they will fill out as the tree grows.
You can plant fruit trees as close to each other as one foot apart for hedgerow planting. But if you want to plant more than one tree, make sure to choose a rootstock with similar needs for watering and pruning.
If you choose to plant fruit trees in an existing landscape, you can graft them onto a dwarf rootstock for a more dense, uniform look.
Some rootstocks are specifically designed for this purpose, and they produce full-sized trees, while others are designed for espalier planting. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and get more out of your garden.
Regardless of where you buy your espalier fruit trees, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and consider their specific requirements. If you are growing an espaliered fruit tree, be sure to choose a dwarf or super dwarf rootstock.
Because they are smaller and thinner, they will allow for more sunlight to reach the branches and produce more fruit than their larger cousins. In addition to being healthier, you’ll also save valuable space in your garden.
You can also use columnar fruit trees, but they are a bit harder to find, are more expensive, and don’t produce as much fruit.
They also need at least a 10-foot space between trees, and should be spaced at least a foot apart. The ‘Pink Lady’ is my personal favorite, with its blush-pink and yellow skin. It is hardy in Zones 6 through 9.
Depending on your desired height, you may want to plant your fruit trees as close to one another as possible.
Some fruit trees are small enough to fit snugly in a small space, while others are much wider and taller. If space is a concern, try using a trellis that supports the espalier. A trellis can be as simple as a wooden fence, or as elaborate as a wall.
As often as twice a week in hot weather
If you are considering growing your own fruit trees, you need to know about the different types available.
Apple trees are ideal candidates for espalier training because they produce fruit on spurs. In fact, you can train these trees so they produce fruit more often. However, you need to know that these trees do not bear fruit in hot weather, so you need to water them as often as possible.
When planting espalier fruit trees, you need to keep in mind that you do not need a large yard, as they are smaller than traditional fruit trees and shrubs. However, you need to ensure they get enough sunlight so they can grow properly.
Moreover, you also need to make sure the soil is well drained and has a pH of 6.0 or 7.0. The soil around the tree should have a slight depression so that water will be able to settle around it.
When planting espalier trees, you need to pay attention to the shape of the plant, and you should also make sure that the soil is not mounding up around the tree trunk.
If you are planning to plant fruit trees, you will need to prune them periodically to maintain the shape of the tree. Make sure to cut the horizontal shoots and offshoots to the proper length.
Also, prune the tips of horizontal shoots to encourage the development of spurs. Moreover, the sunlit environment will promote the development of ripening-associated pigments in the apple fruit.
Fruit trees that lend themselves well to espalier pruning are apple, pear, pears, and plum. Other varieties include cherries, pomegranates, and apricot. While apples and pears are easy to train, apricots are more challenging. You will need to prune them carefully to achieve the shape of your chosen espalier.
Fruit trees need regular watering to thrive. During their blooming period, they need extra water to grow. In hot weather, you can add more water to the soil as frequently as twice a week.
If you live in an area that is susceptible to drought and scalding, be sure to use a hose that drips water to the ground, not directly to the leaves.
As often as twice a week, in hot weather, it is a good idea to prune your espalier fruit trees to shape and size. While pruning may seem like a tedious task, it is well worth the effort.
Fruit trees that are properly trained have the added benefit of being able to grow more fruit. Unlike trees that require a lot of space, espalier trees will take up less space.
Regardless of climate, it is imperative to paint your new tree before planting. Simple designs take three to four years to establish, but complex ones can take more than four years to establish.
When choosing the right fruit tree for espalier, consider its preferred shape and avoid the trees with excessive branching.
You should also prune your new plant annually in the late winter or early spring to remove any unwanted branches and redirect it in the desired direction.
Plant Espalier fruit trees as close as 3 meters apart
As close as three meters is the most convenient spacing for most types of fruit trees. However, if you don’t have a garden wall, try planting your trees on a fence.
You can plant them along a fence or wall, as long as the walls or fence are free of obstructions.
Fruit trees grow best in well-drained soil with a slight acidity to prevent waterlogging. As with any other plant, the spacing of the trees should be sufficient so that they can grow and thrive.
When planting a fruit tree in an espalier, remember that it will take some time to grow. It will initially start off as a leggy, gangly whip.
After the second year, it will take three to five years for the tree to attain its desired height. If it takes longer than five years to reach that height, it may be best to plant two or three trees as close to one another as possible.
The spacing between fruit trees depends on the species. Decide how many trees you want to plant in an espalier. Plant them as close as three meters apart.
The spacing between the trees should be sufficient for adequate air circulation.
In addition, make sure you choose the right supports. For fruit to develop properly, the fruit trees should grow on strong supports.
After the second year, prune them. Keeping in mind that they take up to four years to fully develop, it is important to prune them regularly.
MM106 rootstocks should be planted 12-14 feet apart. The union height can be as high as three feet above the soil level.
You can use stakes that are eight feet tall, but in sandy soil, use two feet. When stakes are too short, use wood that is treated against wood rot fungi. When planting espalier fruit trees, remember that they need support to be trained.
Decide on how far the espalier fruit trees will grow. If you plan to plant them close together, they will compete for light, and some trees will grow far beyond their expected heights. They must also be placed in a sunny spot to encourage pollination.
As close as three meters apart is too close, you’ll risk causing pest problems and reducing the yield of the fruit.
Conclusion
The ideal spacing for espalier fruit trees depends on the growing conditions of the trees.
As close as 3 meters between the trees will result in better yields. It is recommended to plant trees as close to one another as possible — especially if you have a space limitation.
There are several advantages to this approach, but it is essential to consider the space available to grow them.