Espalier trees is a type of plant that is often used to decorate gardens and yards. These plants are usually characterized by their long, slender branches that are arranged in a horizontal or diagonal pattern. Espalier trees are often used to create privacy screens or to serve as living fences.
Related plant:
Espalier Fruit Trees
Related plant:
Espalier Camellia
About soil condition, espalier trees need well-drained soil. If the soil is too dense, the tree may not get enough oxygen and the roots may rot. If the soil is too loose, the tree may not be able to anchor itself and may topple over. The ideal soil for espalier trees is loamy with a slightly acidic pH.
Similar to other fruit trees, espalier trees need full sun to produce the most fruit. Place your espalier tree in an area of your yard that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. If you live in a climate with hot summers, try to find a spot for your tree that gets some afternoon shade. This will help protect the tree from heat stress.
The temperature condition is perfect for growing espalier trees. The trees need a cool, moist climate to thrive, and the temperature condition provides this. The trees will be exposed to the sun and wind, so they need to be protected from these conditions.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%-70%. The air should not be too dry or too wet. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to drop off. If the air is too wet, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.
Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need a lot. In fact, too much fertilizer will result in fewer flowers and fruits. For best results, use a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus. The best time to fertilize is early spring before new growth begins. As for watering, root systems of espalier trees are generally quite shallow. This means that they are more susceptible to drought than other kinds of trees. To avoid this, make sure to water your tree regularly, especially during periods of drought.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your espalier trees healthy and looking their best. You will need to prune your trees every year to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as to shape the tree. Espalier trees are typically pruned in the late winter or early spring.
Propagation is typically done by rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the parent plant in late winter before new growth begins. Semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer can also be used, but they are more likely to fail. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy, non-flowering shoots. The bottom 2-3 inches of each cutting should be buried in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and placed in a shady location until rooting occurs.
Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. however, trees that are grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks can have a more rapid growth rate. Also, newly planted trees will usually have a faster growth rate for the first few years until they become established.
Common problems for this kind of plant are: 1. They can be difficult to train and prune. 2. They are susceptible to aphids and other pests. 3. They can be difficult to water evenly. 4. They can be susceptible to wind damage.
Source:
Combining Gardening Art and Science Espalier - Kansas State
Espalier-Heritage School Login
Trees and Shrubs for Mountain Areas - 7.423 - Extension
