How to make an espalier fruit tree screen

It's vital that newly planted espaliers develop a strong root system and top growth, for better fruits later on. David Hurrion explains how to do this by removing the fruit, plus his tips on helping them establish well:

You Will Need

• Garden spade
• Organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or garden compost
• Sharp grit
• Timber posts
• Bucket of water
• Tape measure
• Bare-root espalier fruit trees
• Drill
• Steel hooks
• Barrel strainer
• Steel wire
• Garden twine
• Watering can

Total time: An afternoon

Step 1

Prepare your soil well - the better the soil, the better the plants will establish and the sooner you'll have fruit. Add lots of organic matter and some sharp grit.

Step 2

Espaliers need to be trained to a wall or on wires fixed to posts. The posts need to be secured in the ground. We screwed timber posts to old fence posts that were concreted in.

Step 3

To create a joined up line of espaliers, plant trees around 3m apart. Before planting, give the roots a thorough soak, submerging in a bucket of water for at least 10 minutes.

Step 4

The horizontal branches on ready-trained espalier trees are usually at regular spaces. Measure the spaces, then transfer the measurements to the posts with pencil marks.

Step 5

Drill a small pilot hole, then insert a steel hook. To this, fix a barrel strainer. Attach a length of steel wire to the strainer, and repeat on the opposite timber post. Tighten the wire.

Step 6

Dig a pit twice as wide as the roots. If against a fence, position the trunk 20cm from the base; 30cm from a wall. Fan the roots out and ensure the graft (stem bulge) is above ground.

Step 7

Tie the branches to the wire, by making a loop around the wire, then a second loop around the stem. This prevents damage or disease caused by the stem rubbing the wire.

Step 8

Firm the roots in well using your heel, then water thoroughly with a full can of water. Water once a week during the first growing season, more during dry weather.